System News | Opinion
Return to the River Salmon Festival teaches culture to young participants
Standing in front of a crowd on Saturday, May 16, for the second release of fingerling
spring Chinook, Drew Trogstad-Isaacson, interim director for the Walla Walla Community College's Water & Environmental Center said the annual Return to the River Salmon Festival was
a celebration of water and natural resources.
Union-Bulletin, May 18, 2026
Skagit Valley College students recognized for academics
Five Skagit Valley College students were recently named to the 2026 All-Washington Academic Team in recognition
of their high academic achievements and community involvement.
Skagit Valley College, May 17, 2026
Walla Walla Community College eliminates positions, makes other staffing changes
..."These decisions are extraordinarily difficult and were not made lightly,” [Walla Walla Community College] President Chad Hickox said. “Our employees are deeply committed to students and
our communities, and we recognize the personal impact these changes have on the individuals
affected and the college as a whole."
Union-Bulletin, May 15, 2026
Running Start cuts mean fewer free credits
High school students in the Running Start program won’t be able to take as many tuition-free
college classes when this year’s K-12 funding cuts take effect. The program allows
high school juniors and seniors students to enroll in free classes at all 34 community
and technical colleges and a few 4-year colleges in Washington. [State Board for Community and Technical Colleges]
Yakima Herald-Republic, May 15, 2026
Bellevue College awarded $15K grant to support learning inclusivity
Bellevue College has been selected to receive a grant through Achieving the Dream's Learning Inclusive
Futures Together initiative, a national effort designed to strengthen the transition
from K–12 education to college for students with learning differences.
425 Business, May 15, 2026
New EMT program expected to launch in fall at Olympic College
Olympic College has launched a new one-quarter Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program, creating
a new pathway for students seeking careers in healthcare and emergency response.
Bainbridge Island Review, May 14, 2026
College presidents: Gap in Whatcom college enrollments is challenge for all
In Whatcom County, we consistently see the talent, determination and potential of
our students. Our local school districts are doing exceptional work preparing graduates,
equipping them with the knowledge, skills and resilience needed to succeed in college
and beyond. [Whatcom Community College]
Cascadia Daily, May 13, 2026
Higher Education and Politics
Washington Watch: ED releases final Workforce Pell regs
Culminating a months-long regulatory process, the U.S. Education Department on Monday
published final regulations for the Workforce Pell Grant program, which will guide
stakeholders as they implement the new eligibility that begins July 1.
Community College Daily, May 18, 2026
The data part of Workforce Pell
The Pell Grant remains the best way to help low-income students afford college, and
it’s especially important for community college students eager to learn and earn.
Every year, 30% of all Pell Grant recipients attend community colleges.
Community College Daily, May 17, 2026
