Whatcom Community College | 2023-25 Budget Requests
- Total headcount: 6,951
- Total full-time equivalent (FTE): 2,931
- Full-time: 39%
- Part-time: 61%
- Students of color: 36%
If the system’s operating budget request of $353 million is fully funded, Whatcom Community College would receive approximately $3.7 million in additional funding.
If the system’s request is fully funded, Whatcom Community College will receive approximately $5,216,600 for operation, maintenance, infrastructure, repairs and minor improvements of its existing facilities, and $39,981,000 for design and construction of the Technology and Engineering Center.
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Whatcom Community College (WCC) in Bellingham is a destination for cybersecurity, pre-engineering, health care, and business studies. Our college offers three Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in Applied Business Management, IT Network-Cybersecurity, and Social work as well as transfer degrees, career preparation, online courses, and community education classes.
By offering affordable and accessible programs, Whatcom Community College helps people of every age and background to learn and 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. As a community college that serves a large number of low-income students and students who are the first in their families to attend college, Whatcom Community College is key to creating social and economic mobility for people throughout our region.
Meet Eva Brown
Eva found self-confidence and a passion for learning through immense dedication and connection with faculty and staff. She overcame obstacles including leaving an abusive relationship and a challenging custody battle while continuing her education. As a single mother, Eva found ways to balance parenting while pursuing her education. She earned licenses as a medical massage therapist and emergency medical technician. Eva remains motivated, intending to become an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner. She is currently applying to WCC’s nursing program.
Legislative Priority: Expand Opportunity for Students and Employers
Fully funding our budget requests will have real returns for students like Eva Brown and for the communities and employers in our area. Students will learn from competitively-paid experts who choose to work at WCC 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. And, all students will benefit from an inclusive environment where they are supported and equipped to reach their goals.
Whatcom Community College will also receive funding to operate and maintain existing facilities and to design and build its Technology and Engineering Center.
