System News | Opinion
How these schools are preparing the next generation of health care workers
It would be an understatement to say that nurses and other health care workers are
integral to the sector they serve — yet Washington, by 2035, is expecting a 26% workforce
shortage, according to Health Resources and Services Administration data. [Tacoma Community College]
South Sound Magazine, Feb. 3, 2026
Community leaders honored at annual awards banquet
...Rick Ross, associate dean of athletics and student programs at Peninsula College, received the Educator of the Year award. Ross was honored for his long-standing
commitment to students, both during and after their time at the college.
Peninsula Daily News, Feb. 3, 2026
QCC president makes friendly wager on Patriots to win Super Bowl LX
...If the Seahawks win Super Bowl LX on Sunday, Feb. 8, in Santa Clara, California,
QCC President Luis G. Pedraja will post a photo on social media of himself wearing
Seattle gear, as well as the colors of North Seattle College. If the Patriots win, North Seattle College President Rachel Solemsaas will don QCC
and Patriots apparel.
Telegram & Gazette, Feb. 2, 2026
Funding roundup: Washington
Tacoma Community College (TCC) will use a $400,000 grant from the KeyBank Foundation to establish a career navigator
position. ...“There are so many opportunities here at TCC, and this new navigator
position will get students the support they need with career and transfer opportunities,"
[said TCC President Ivan L. Harrell].
Community College Daily, Feb. 2, 2026
Clark College offers free dental care to children Saturday
The clinic’s annual Free Children’s Dental Health Care Day will provide care from
students under direct supervision from licensed dentists and dental hygienists. The
services are available to families with low income or no insurance. [Clark College]
The Columbian, Feb. 2, 2026
Walla Walla Community College awarded CDL safety training grant
Walla Walla Community College’s Commercial Driver’s License program has received a grant award of more than $75,000
to help students complete their certification. The grant from the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration will specifically be awarded to current or former members of
the U.S. armed forces and their families...
Union-Bulletin, Jan. 30, 2026
Another way to start your 4-year degree without leaving West Seattle
...Students at Seattle Colleges now have a streamlined and guaranteed route to a bachelor’s degree at Western Washington
University through a new transfer pathway partnership announced today by both institutions.
West Seattle Blog, Jan. 30, 2026
Haircuts for the Homeless bring stories of Spokane’s streets to life
...Jayda Pimsanguan, who graduates from the two-year program at Spokane Community College in March, joined 26 of her peers on Wednesday to give haircuts to the less fortunate.
The Spokesman-Review, Jan. 28, 2026
Higher Education and Politics
OCR layoffs estimated to cost up to $38M, GAO says
The Education Department has reversed plans to lay off nearly 300 employees in its
Office for Civil Rights (OCR), according to a report from the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) released Monday that estimated the reduction in force cost up to $38
million.
Inside Higher Ed, Feb. 3, 2026
NCAN report shows dramatic increase in Pell eligibility rates
More than 1.5 million additional students were eligible to receive the maximum Pell
Grant this academic year compared to the award cycle before the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid simplification process was completed...
Inside Higher Ed, Feb. 2, 2026
