
Bellingham Technical College | Field Guide 2023
Bellingham Technical College (BTC) has trained students for in-demand, high-paying
careers for more than 65 years. We provide hands-on, rigorous instruction in programs
such as advanced manufacturing, engineering, nursing, and accounting. For example,
BTC’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences program offers students the unique opportunity
to run two fully operational fish hatcheries. In fact, BTC administrators and Fisheries
faculty were invited by the Association of Community College Trustees to present about
the program’s work with tribal partners and state agencies to raise and release Chinook
salmon at its hatchery in order to provide a larger food supply for the region’s endangered
Southern Resident Killer Whale population.
Each year, more than 3,800 students of all ages and backgrounds turn to BTC for education
and training. Whether students are 16 or 60, just out of high school or working adults,
our college prepares them to forge their own path toward a better future. As a technical
college that serves a large number of lower-income students and students who are the
first in their families to attend college, BTC is key to creating social and economic
mobility for people throughout our region.
Key Facts
Highest Enrolled Programs
- Nursing
- Radiologic Technology
- Dental Hygiene
- Electrician
- Computer Networking
Enrollment
- Headcount (all sources): 3,784
- FTES (all sources): 1,723
- Headcount (state-funded): 2,753
- FTES (state-funded): 1,507
Students in Selected Programs
- Apprentices: 99
- Bachelor's: 44
- I-BEST: 73
- International: 4
- Running Start: 89
- Worker Retraining: 172
Student Profile
Type of Student
- Academic/transfer: 6%
- Basic skills: 13%
- Workforce education: 61%
- Other: 20%
Race/Ethnicity*
Students of color: 33%
- American Indian/Alaska Native: 6%
- Asian: 8%
- Black/African American: 4%
- Hispanic/Latino: 17%
- Pacific Islander: 1%
- White: 80%
Attendance
- Full-time: 46%
- Part-time: 54%
Family and Finances
- Students receiving need-based financial aid: 18%
- Students with dependents: 40%
Gender
- Female: 54%
- Male: 46%
Median age
26
Points of Interest
Workforce connections
Bellingham Technical College's partnerships with labor, industry and economic development partners have allowed BTC to build strong program advisory committees, develop programs to train students to fill regional workforce demands, and support economic development. BTC programs partner with industry to provide industry field trips and work-based learning experiences for students, including internships, job shadows, tours and clinical placements. Online career exploration and preparation tools (available to all current and prospective students) provide students with labor-market information, career exploration and resume-building services, and a portal for employers to post internship or job opportunities suitable for students.
Pathways to achievement
BTC is implementing a Guided Pathways model, which is helping the college provide clear and structured pathways for students. As a result of this work, BTC has begun major improvement activities, including requiring all new students to participate in a one-on-one “GET Started” session to develop their academic plans prior to registering for classes. BTC has also developed common exploratory core coursework across related programs so that students can explore career choices and change their programs without losing time and money. In addition, BTC has created a new faculty professional development and peer mentoring program to help faculty better support and advise their students.
Innovation and excellence
In 2017, BTC faculty created the Students Helping Build an Inclusive Future for the Trades (SHIFT) program to help increase access, visibility, and success for women, men, LGBTQ+, and non-binary students enrolled in training programs for industries where these groups have been historically under-represented, with a focus on male-dominated fields. BTC’s SHIFT committee has worked to create student networking groups; host events designed to raise awareness; develop video and other outreach materials; and assist with special event and outreach planning, highlighting the experiences of non-traditional students and workers.
Data is from the 2021-22 academic year. Reflects headcount unless otherwise noted.
*Students of color percent based on unduplicated headcount. Students may be counted in more than one race, so race/ethnicity percentages may not total 100%. Percentages calculated on reported value.
President
Dr. James Lemerond
Trustees
- Richard Kaiser, chair
- Bradley Smith, vice chair
- Debbie Ahl
- Jim Groves
- Amy McQuade
Year Founded
1957
Service Area
Whatcom County
Legislative Districts
40, 42
Page Manager:
shagreen@sbctc.edu
Last Modified: 12/8/23, 11:54 AM