Steve Maynard, writing for the News Tribune (WA) on May 6, 2007 described an ambitious plan by a foundation to raise $100 million to send Tacoma students to college. The article mentions the Washington State Achievers (WSA) scholarship program, which makes awards to high school seniors based on financial need. NORC is working with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to monitor the progress of WSA scholars and measure the impact of the scholarship program.