Washington State receives $2M grant
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A grant of more than $2 million in federal Title III funds from the U.S. Department of Education was awarded to Washington State Community College.
The funds over the next five years will support the creation of new in-demand academic programs, update curriculum to align with industry needs and expand Workforce and Career Services to build upon the success of the school's Guided Career Pathways work.
The grant under the Strengthening Institutions Program helps colleges and universities expand capacity to serve low-income students by providing funding to enhance and bolster academic quality, institutional management and fiscal stability.
The college's three-pronged approach will begin by building on a proven project that was instituted shortly after Vicky Wood became president of the college.
"Since 2017 we have been committed to transforming the student experience using the Guided Pathways framework," Wood said. "We have focused on dismantling barriers that stand in the way of our students' progress and developing innovative solutions to increase their success."
WSCC has developed support systems to keep students on track with their degree pursuits by offering free services including tutoring, mental health services, financial education and a food pantry. With a portion of the funds, the college will build on those principles to develop career learning communities to increase student engagement and motivation centered on common career objectives.
The college will implement Customer Relations Management software to improve communication with students throughout the educational experience at the school. The software will provide data and predictive analytics to aid staff provide personalized support, academic and career services to students.
WSCC also will add occupational therapy assistant and physical therapy assistant programs and expand its current process technician one-year certificate program to include a process engineering technology two-year associate degree.
"The addition of these degrees is based on regional workforce projections. Our students will graduate and immediately be able to move into good-paying, in-demand jobs," Wood said. "That's not just good for our students, it's good for our economy."
Funds also will support career-informed academic enrichment to increase clinical, practicum and internship opportunities for students. The collaboration among faculty, staff and program advisory committees will strengthen the integration of industry-driven career skills into both program and general education courses, Wood said.
"We will funnel some of our funds directly into faculty and staff development," she said. "Investing in their professional development will help us integrate career skills throughout our curriculum, which will enable us to close equity gaps and strengthen career advising and support services."