Washington's community and technical colleges set a national example for innovative policies, practices and research for student success. Washington's community and technical college system ranks 12th in the nation for graduation rates, and 7th for certificates and degrees produced. Olympic College and Renton Technical College in March 2015 were named as part of the top 10 finalists for the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Walla Walla Community College in 2013 was named the top community college in the nation by Aspen Institute, along with Santa Barbara City College in California. The Aspen Institute also named Columbia Basin, Skagit Valley, Walla Walla and Whatcom among the top 150 community colleges in the country in 2015. The Aspen Prize is awarded every two years. Washington's performance-based funding system, known as the "Student Achievement Initiative," awards colleges points and funding when students reach key academic milestones that lead to certificates and degrees. The milestone metrics have influenced performance funding models across the country and have been incorporated into national campaigns that promote accountability. The goal is to propel students to and through the "tipping point"--the level of education that means the difference between struggling in a low-wage job and having a career that leads to a better life. The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges' tipping point research has made national news in higher education circles. The National Governor's Association credits Washington with undertaking bold, comprehensive strategies to align postsecondary education with state economic goals, spotlighting the community and technical college system's Centers of Excellence. This document presents brief descriptions of various award winning programs in Washington State that are innovative and designed to assist students through a level of education that can promote accountability and contribute to student success.