System News | Opinion

Community colleges tackle another challenge: Students recovering from past substance use

... At Skagit Valley College, a two-year institution north of Seattle, Aaron Kirk runs the recovery program for formerly incarcerated students jointly with the school’s Breaking Free Club.
The Hechinger Report, April 8, 2024

Can $500 a month make a dent in Seattle-area poverty?

Riko Niyomwungere was working multiple jobs to pay for college when he was selected to receive $500 a month with almost no strings attached. The cash allowed him to stop working, start paying off credit card debt, and focus on pursuing his computer science degree at North Seattle College
KUOW, April 8, 2024

Pierce College Puyallup hires new Vice President of Learning and Student Success

Pierce College is proud to announce the hiring of Yuritzi Lozano as our new Vice President of Learning and Student Success at Pierce College Puyallup. Her first day will be May 16.
Suburban Times, April 7, 2024

Investing in community colleges

... “It’s very unusual, especially in community technical colleges, for a college to just get a sum of what’s basically unrestricted funds to support their mission,” says Dr. Yoshiko Harden, president of Renton Technical College (RTC), which benefited from Scott’s largess.
Diverse Education, April 5, 2024

From Bates Technical College to the Big Apple: Culinary student follows passion for pastry and Filipino flavor to Culinary Institute of America

Bates Technical College Culinary Arts serves up success as student Ben Parker heads to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York. A passionate and dedicated culinary enthusiast, Parker will begin his journey at the CIA fall of 2024 to pursue pastry chef education.
Suburban Times, April 5, 2024

New Clark College campus at Boschma Farms designed for advanced manufacturing, renewable energy programs

 Just five months ago, Clark College’s new satellite campus at Boschma Farms in Ridgefield was little more than a skeleton of steel beams. Today, the new 49,000-square-foot facility intended to support programs in advanced manufacturing and renewable energy has taken shape.
Columbian, April 4, 2024

PC gets federal infusion to start dental hygiene program

Peninsula College is a step closer to starting a dental hygiene program at its Port Angeles campus. Washington Senator Patty Murray has secured $1.9 million dollars in federal funding to go toward establishing the program.
My Clallam County, April 4, 2024

Clark College to launch new EV repair training program

Clark College will receive $1 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to develop a new clean energy technical education program that teaches students how to manufacture and repair electric vehicles.
Reflector, April 1, 2024

When this mascot sings it's a sign of spring

There aren't many college vice presidents who will take you hunting for frogs. But Peter Lortz, Vice President of North Seattle College, will. Because the Pacific Tree Frog is his school's mascot. And in early spring, they make their presence known on the campus in the middle of the city. 
King 5, March 29, 2024

Grays Harbor College to benefit from research project grant for all WA community/technical colleges

The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) recently received a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation for a 5-year initiative that will expand research opportunities for students.
KXRO, March 28, 2024

Higher Education and Politics

FAFSA completion down 40 percent

As of March 29, 40 percent fewer high school students had completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid than they did by that date in 2023, according to newly released data from the Department of Education, a massive drop caused largely by the new form’s disastrous rollout.
Inside Higher Ed, April 9, 2024

Heads up on coming proposed regs

The U.S. Education Department (ED) will soon issue several new proposed rules that will affect postsecondary institutions, including community colleges. ... in five areas: cash management, return of Title IV funds, accreditation, distance education and state authorization. 
Community College Daily, April 7, 2024

Education Department will reprocess 20 percent of FAFSAs

In a reversal, the Education Department will now reprocess student aid applications that were affected by a recent calculation error and issues with incorrect tax data.
Inside Higher Ed, April 5, 2024