Lower Columbia College | 2023-25 Budget Requests
- Total headcount: 3,997
- Total full-time equivalent (FTE): 2,325
- Full-time: 59%
- Part-time: 41%
- Students of color: 28%
If the system’s operating budget request of $353 million is fully funded, Lower Columbia College will receive approximately $4.1 million in additional funding.
If the system’s request is fully funded, Lower Columbia College will receive approximately $5,641,000 for operation, maintenance, infrastructure, repairs and minor improvements of its existing facilities, $39,522,000 for construction of the Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies, and $33,229,000 for design and construction of the Welcome Center.
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Established in 1934, Lower Columbia College (LCC) is the only college serving Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. With over 90 program options from high school to the baccalaureate level, LCC plays a critical role in the region’s economy by providing a steady supply of trained workers. LCC’s planned Vocational Building will bring countless benefits to students and industry partners across the region. By offering affordable and accessible programs, LCC helps people of every age and background thrive in today’s economy. Whether students are 16 or 60, just out of high school or working adults, our college prepares them for the next step up in life.
Meet Nicole Page
After repairing watches for years, a chance encounter with a former school counselor led Nicole Page to enroll in LCC’s welding program at age 30. A 2021 grad, she’s on the path to becoming a Certified Pipe Welder with UA Local 26 while working for JH Kelly. Nicole believes investing in facilities like LCC’s planned vocational building serves the needs of industry by allowing for more specialized labs and simulations, with bigger and better technology. Access to high quality training changed Nicole’s life. “I don’t have the right words to express how thankful I am for this program,” she said.
Legislative Priority: Expand Opportunity for Students and Employers
Fully funding our budget requests will have real returns for students like Nicole Page and for the communities and employers in our area. Students will learn from competitively-paid experts who choose to work at LCC rather than pursue higher paying positions with private employers or K-12 schools. Our students will train for careers in robust workforce programs, with modern equipment and learning spaces that mirror their future work environments. We will be able to expand technology to bring a college education to more people in more ways, which is especially important for working adults. And, all our students will benefit from an inclusive environment where they are valued, supported and equipped to reach their goals.
LCC will also receive funding to operate and maintain existing facilities and to design and build both its Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies and Welcome Center.
