Opening Doors and Staying Connected Across the 28th | tnobles
Dear friends and neighbors,
October has been another busy and meaningful month in community. I have loved spending time with students, educators, local leaders and neighbors across our district — listening, learning and continuing the conversations that will help shape my work when we return to Olympia.
As we get closer to the 2027 legislative session, I remain focused on making education and career pathways more accessible, creating opportunities for young people and ensuring the people most affected by our policies have a voice in shaping them.
Scroll down for new updates on education and workforce opportunities, highlights from my time in community and an important Tacoma Narrows Bridge travel alert:
Seeing Workforce Education in Action
I recently had the opportunity to visit the cosmetology program at Clover Park Technical College and see students putting their learning into practice.
Students are building the technical, creative and professional skills they will need to serve clients and pursue careers in the cosmetology industry. I appreciated hearing about their experiences and seeing the confidence and care they bring to their work.
As chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, it is important for me to hear directly from students and instructors about what is working, what barriers remain and how the state can better support people as they complete their education and enter the workforce.
Thank you to the students and staff who welcomed me! I left inspired by their talent, professionalism and dedication.
Helping More Students Fund Their Futures
This month, I wrapped up my three-stop FAFSA Completion Tour with a final visit to Curtis Senior High School in University Place!
Throughout the tour, I met with students in Lakewood, Steilacoom and University Place to talk about financial aid and the many paths available after high school, including college, apprenticeships and technical training.
These conversations are personal for me. Education changed the direction of my life, but I also know how overwhelming it can be to navigate applications, deadlines and financial aid. Students should not have to figure it all out alone.
Thank you to every student, educator, counselor, school leader and community partner who made this tour possible. I am especially grateful to the students who asked thoughtful questions, shared their goals and started taking the next steps toward their futures.
The FAFSA and WASFA (find links below!) are open now. If you or a student in your life is considering education or training after high school, please apply as soon as possible. Completing an application is the only way to know what federal and state financial aid may be available.
If you or someone you know still needs help, support is available:
FAFSA application and more information
WASFA application and more information
Washington Student Achievement Council resources
See What You Could Receive Through the WA Grant
Did you know that about half of Washington families qualify for financial aid through the Washington College Grant?
The WA Grant can help eligible Washington residents pay for college, career training and apprenticeships. Students and families can use the state’s new financial aid calculator launched by the Washington Student Achievement Council to estimate how much support they may be eligible to receive.
The calculator is a helpful place to begin, but it only provides an estimate. Remember, you must complete the FAFSA or WASFA to learn exactly what financial aid is available to you.
If education or training is part of your plan, do not assume it is out of reach. Explore the calculator, submit your financial aid application and learn the available assistance.
Creating Better Pathways for Women in the Skilled Trades
Women are pursuing apprenticeships across Washington, but too many continue to face barriers that make it difficult to remain and advance in the skilled trades.
A new report from the Washington State Women’s Commission examines women’s representation and retention in skilled-trades apprenticeships. It highlights the importance of mentorship, inclusive workplace cultures and practical support that helps apprentices complete their training.
Skilled-trades careers are essential to Washington’s future and can provide a pathway to stable, family-sustaining work. As our state continues investing in infrastructure and workforce development, women must have equitable opportunities to enter these careers, complete their apprenticeships and succeed.
Again, as chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, I will continue listening to apprentices, educators, labor partners and employers as we work to make these pathways stronger and more accessible.
Bringing Workforce Lessons Home from Oxford
I recently traveled to Oxford with healthcare employers, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW and the Healthcare Apprenticeship Consortium to learn from the United Kingdom’s approach to health care workforce development.
During the visit, we met with leaders from the National Health Service and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust to learn how they are using apprenticeships and other training programs to prepare workers for health care careers.
Washington continues to face serious healthcare workforce shortages. Addressing them will require us to create more accessible pathways into nursing and other high-demand careers while ensuring training reflects the needs of workers, providers and patients.
I deeply appreciated the opportunity to learn from another system, ask questions and consider which ideas could help strengthen our own workforce. I look forward to bringing these lessons home as we prepare for the next legislative session.
Creating More Opportunities for Girls in Sports
It was such a joy to join the Washington State Women’s Commission and Seattle Seahawks for Girls on the Field at the Tacoma Soccer Center!
Girls had the chance to learn football skills, connect with mentors and hear from Seahawks 2026 Legend of the Year Marcus Trufant. I even got to practice a few flag football drills myself!
As a former coach, I know sports can teach young people so much more than what happens on the field. They help build confidence, leadership, teamwork and a sense of belonging.
Girls deserve every opportunity to participate, compete and see themselves represented in sports. Thank you to everyone who helped create such a fun and welcoming space for these young athletes.
Listening to Black Student Leaders
I loved spending an afternoon at the University of Puget Sound with Black Student Union leaders from local high schools and colleges.
We talked about their experiences in school, the importance of belonging and what meaningful support for Black students should look like. Most importantly, I had the opportunity to listen.
Our young people already understand the needs of their schools and communities. We should be creating more opportunities for them to share their perspectives, develop their leadership and help shape the decisions that affect their lives.
I am grateful to every student who showed up, spoke honestly and reminded us of the power of student voice.
Thank You for Joining Coffee & Cowork
We wrapped up our final Coffee & Cowork of the year in Lakewood this month!
I launched Coffee & Cowork in June because I wanted to create another way for neighbors to connect with me and my office outside of a formal meeting or town hall. Since then, we have gathered in Fircrest, Steilacoom and Lakewood.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by, spent part of the morning with us and shared what was on your mind. These conversations help me stay connected to what people across our district are experiencing and what you want your state government to prioritize.
I am also grateful to the locally owned businesses that welcomed us. Small businesses help our communities thrive and give each city its unique character. It has been a pleasure supporting them while bringing neighbors together.
I look forward to creating more opportunities for us to connect in the year ahead!
Plan for Tacoma Narrows Bridge Repairs
If you travel westbound across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, please plan for significant delays, which began on Saturday, Oct. 24.
The Washington State Department of Transportation has closed the two right westbound lanes around the clock through Sunday, Nov. 8, while crews complete temporary repairs to an expansion joint. The Jackson Avenue on-ramp to westbound State Route 16 is also closed during the work.
Two westbound lanes remain open, and the HOV lane is available to all drivers. However, travelers can expect considerable backups, particularly during the afternoon commute.
Please give yourself additional time, consider traveling outside peak hours and check current traffic conditions before leaving.
Find the latest from WSDOT here.
As always, my office is here to help you navigate state agencies, locate available resources and make your voice heard.
If you need assistance or want to share your thoughts about an issue affecting our community, please reach out. You can also follow my official Facebook page for timely updates, helpful resources and opportunities to connect.
Thank you to everyone who continues to share your time, experiences and ideas with me. It is an honor to serve you and our entire 28th Legislative District.
Sincerely,
Sen. T’wina Nobles