News Links | April 6, 2021

System News | Opinion

New projects at Eastern Washington colleges would be funded in proposed state budgets

... One of the largest projects for community and technical colleges is at Spokane Falls Community College, which would get $19.3 million for a new fine arts building. The project has been discussed since 2019, said Clinton Brown, Community Colleges of Spokane director of capital construction. This is the first time it will be fully funded.
The Spokesman-Review, April 4, 2021

A new state park, affordable housing, and more for Olympia area in state’s capital budget

Both chambers of the Washington state Legislature have unanimously approved their versions of a two-year construction budget that would send billions of dollars to projects across the state. ... $5 million for renovation of the South Puget Sound Community College Health Education building;
The Olympian, April 4, 2021

Get to know: James Rangel

James Rangel, Age: 34, Occupation: Navy reservist, student at Skagit Valley College ... What brightens your day? “Learning something new. It’s weird, but learning something new makes your day a lot better. That’s why I’m in college.”
Skagit Valley Herald, April 3, 2021

YVC's soccer players' heroic actions during house fire

A local soccer team being thanked after rushing to help a family during a house fire. About players of the women's soccer team from Yakima valley college who happened to be at the right place and the right time. "I was jogging backwards," said Brianna Garfias, Yakima Valley College play soccer.
KIMA, April 2, 2021

Seattle’s tuition-free community college program sees record application numbers despite pandemic

... At Seattle Colleges — which is made up of three Seattle community colleges: North, South and Central — general student enrollment was down about 11%, said Chancellor Shouan Pan. “It feels really real that the Promise program gave students structure,” said Kurt Buttleman, vice-chancellor of academic and student success at Seattle Colleges. “It gave them hope for the future … and it gave students joy. For many families, this was one of the few positives at different points in the last year that really helped.”
The Seattle Times, April 2, 2021

Brian Mittge commentary: ‘These are tough times’: Parenting help available

If you’re parenting a teen or pre-teen, odds are that you sometimes wish you could have a little help from someone with experience, insight and ideas tailored to your troubles. ... For those who are open to learning more and leveling-up their parenting, this free class is called “Guiding Good Choices.” It is being offered starting next week through Centralia College’s Family Education department. It’ll be held virtually over Zoom.
The Chronicle, April 2, 2021

Nation’s 1st advanced nuclear reactor could operate near Tri-Cities under new agreement

What could be the nation’s first commercial advanced nuclear power reactor would be built and operated near Richland under a partnership agreement signed Thursday. ... “Columbia Basin (College) and Washington State University campuses offer bachelor’s, master’s, and PhDs in nuclear-related fields, and the region hosts a strong apprentice program.” she said.
Tri-City Herald, April 1, 2021

Trends | Horizons | Education

Why students aren't filling out the FAFSA

A new survey by EAB, the education consulting company, of more than 15,000 high school students has found that 30 percent of both first-generation and low-income students said completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid was difficult, a rate that is 10 to 15 percentage points higher than the proportion of other students who said it was.
Inside Higher Ed, April 6, 2021

Stakeholders call for focus on equity as community colleges recover from COVID-19 crisis

... Community college students were among the most impacted. Seventy-two percent of part-time and 62% of full-time community college students work, and many faced unemployment, according to Dr. Martha M. Parham, senior vice president of public relations at the American Association of Community Colleges.
Diverse Education, April 5, 2021

International enrollment drop to hit higher ed's credit for years

The U.S. higher education sector will feel a revenue hit for several years from a low number of international students enrolling in colleges and universities this fall, according to a report issued last week by Moody’s Investors Service. The development has a negative impact on the sector’s credit profile, according to the bond ratings agency.
Inside Higher Ed, April 5, 2021

The pandemic hit the working class hard. The colleges that serve them are hurting, too.

... Colleges of all types are struggling under the shadow of the coronavirus, but the nation’s community college system has been disproportionately hurt, with tens of thousands of students being forced to delay school or drop out because of the pandemic and the economic crisis it has created.
The New York Times, April 2, 2021

Politics | Local, State, National

Biden administration announces next steps in overhauling Title IX campus sexual assault rules

The Education Department announced plans Tuesday to hold a public hearing on how schools ought to handle sexual misconduct cases as the first step in a planned overhaul of Title IX regulations. In a letter released by the Education Department, the hearing is described as a chance for students, parents, school officials and advocates to weigh in before the Biden administration offers its proposal ...
NBC News, April 6, 2021