System News | Opinion
More than $7.4 million awarded to support workforce training partnerships across Washington
To meet the specific training needs of employers in Washington state, more than $7.4
million will be awarded to support partnerships between community and technical colleges
and local employers. Funding is provided through the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges’ Job Skills Program (JSP).
The Suburban Times, Aug. 5, 2025
Funds from Washington state go toward accelerated trade school programs, expanding skilled workforce
...[SBCTC] awards $1.5 million annually to institutes of higher learning from its
Workforce Development Fund. The intent of the dollars is to give schools support for
things like buying new equipment, changing curriculum and retraining instructors to
match industry needs. [Bates Technical College, Clover Park Technical College, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges]
NWPB, Aug. 4, 2025
PC launches local teacher degree program
Peninsula College will launch a Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education program in fall 2025
to address the growing need for K-8 educators in the region. The new BAS-TE program
provides a direct path to Washington state teacher certification and features evening
and hybrid classes designed for students balancing work and family.
My Clallam County, Aug. 4, 2025
Edmonds College counseling services get a boost
The Edmonds College Counseling and Resource Center recently received a $130,000 grant from the Whitehorse
Foundation to fund a full-time counselor for one year, according to a release.
425 Magazine, Aug. 4, 2025
Funding roundup
Thanks to a $1.2 million King County grant, Bellevue College in Washington can soon provide more support to underserved student veterans.
... Big Bend Community College’s agriculture program recently received a donation of commercial seeds valued at more than $30,000 from Eric Williamson of Williamson Farms, Inc.
... The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges is awarding nearly $1.6 million in funds to 12 community and technical college projects
that address the changing needs and expectations of industry and prospective students,
or that bolster local workforce and economic development initiatives. [Bates Technical College, Clark College, Skagit Valley College, Renton Technical College]
Community College Daily, Aug. 4, 2025
Younger presidents who have grown into the roles
When they became community college presidents in their 30s and early 40s in the 2010s,
they faced skepticism — or at least surprised reactions — from some people on their
campuses and in their communities as to whether they were truly ready to lead. [Tacoma Community College]
Community College Daily, Aug. 3, 2025
Program connects students with Peninsula College
...“It’s support for college preparation on steroids,” Peninsula College President Suzy Ames said. “None of the things that we’re doing are brand new, but
all together, we’re putting our arms around every high school junior and senior in
our community and walking them through that whole college exploration, college funding
and college experience.”
Peninsula Daily News, Aug. 2, 2025
Walla Walla Community College addresses truck driver shortage with school partnerships
Washington state has thousands of open truck driving positions, with nearly 500,000
more expected nationwide over the next eight years...Walla Walla Community College partners with high schools including Connell, Kiona-Benton, and Benton City to offer
CDL training to students.
Apple Valley News Now, Aug. 1, 2025
Rep. Larsen visits Kongsberg, Edmonds College to discuss growth and government support
...Following his visit to Kongsberg, Rep. Larsen met with Edmonds College leadership to discuss the impacts of what Larsen calls President Trump’s “Big Ugly
Law,” which alters student loan repayment plans and Department of Education budget
decisions.
My Edmonds News, Aug. 1, 2025
Everett Community College competes in “Clash of Trades” national championship
Three Everett Community College students competed in the 2025 National Clash of Trades Championship in June at the
Advanced Manufacturing Facility at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Illinois.
The competition is featured in “Clash of Trades,” a reality series produced by Project
MFG.
Lynnwood Times, July 31, 2025
Clark College receives grant for healthcare workforce development
Clark College has been awarded $130,000 by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges to launch the Healthcare Pathways Regional Coordination for Southwest Washington.
Vancouver Business Journal, July 31, 2025
Higher Education and Politics
Under Secretary Nicholas Kent sets priorities for Higher Ed
Nicholas Kent, a career higher education policy expert and now the Department of Education’s
under secretary, has made his priorities for American colleges and universities clear—controlling
student debt, building public trust and ensuring students experience a positive return
on investment.
Inside Higher Ed, Aug. 5, 2025
UW, other WA colleges, face big money problems
Across the state, Washington’s struggling public colleges and universities are laying
off staff, raising tuition, cutting administrators and trimming programs. State budget cuts have landed at a time when severe cutbacks by President Donald Trump’s
administration, on top of inflation, are exerting financial stress on the schools.
The Seattle Times, Aug. 4, 2025
Want to study welding or prepare for the bar exam? You can now use a 529 plan
...The latest change, included in the budget and policy legislation passed by Congress
in July, allows the accounts to be used to help pay for a broader range of post-high
school credentials, including certification in specialties like auto mechanics or
food safety, and related expenses.
The Seattle Times, Aug. 3, 2025
