News Links | January 28, 2021
System News | Opinion
Rethinking and resetting workforce development
... With thousands of businesses permanently shuttered, “many won’t go back to the
same jobs they were laid off from,” said Jan Yoshiwara, executive director of the
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. “The labor needs post-Covid won’t be the same as pre-Covid.” She added, “It is incumbent
upon us to figure out how to best serve these people.”
Community College Daily, Jan. 28, 2021
With substance abuse behind her, woman aims to counsel others
... Not only is Black now more than six years sober, she graduated from Skagit Valley College in December with an associate’s degree in applied science (human services substance
use disorder counseling). ... Black said she was able to tell her how important education
is for her future. “They saw me there, with tears, but still doing it,” Black said.
Black graduated with honors in the midst of a pandemic. “I did it,” she said.
Skagit Valley Herald, Jan. 27, 2021
Despite struggles of pandemic, schools continue to train students in health care fields
... “Our students and our instructors have not even blinked an eye,” said Shelley
Price, Skagit Valley College’s dean of the nursing and allied health programs. “I’m really proud of that.” When
the pandemic hit in March, Skagit Valley College shut down its campuses and quickly
transitioned to an online model.
Skagit Valley Herald, Jan. 26, 2021
SCC announces presentation by writer, historian Daudi Abe as part of Diversity Dialogues series
Seattle-based professor, writer and historian Daudi Abe will present “Why Are All
the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Principal’s Office?” on Wednesday as part of
Spokane Community College’s Hagan Center’s Diversity Dialogue speaker series. ... Abe’s presentation covers how
people in many roles in society can help close the achievement gap.
The Spokesman-Review, Jan. 25, 2021
With volunteer help, Lewis County pulls off biggest vaccination effort yet
Splashed with a new coat of colorful paint, the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds was
bustling Sunday, not with livestock and kettle corn fans, but with caregivers, community
volunteers and residents waiting in line for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. ... Centralia College medical assistant students also provided assistance, with several of them actually
administering the vaccine. “We’re using it as a training and educational opportunity
for them as well,” Humphrey said. “It takes a village. Literally.”
The Daily Chronicle, Jan. 25, 2021
Trends | Horizons | Education
Survey: Most students willing to be vaccinated
About three-quarters of undergraduates anticipate getting the coronavirus vaccine
as soon as it becomes available to them, according to a survey of 1,000 students released
today by College Pulse, a research company that polled the college students from Jan.
7 to 15.
Inside Higher Ed, Jan. 28, 2021
Students still give their community colleges high marks
One in five community college students expect to delay graduation because of the pandemic,
according to survey results from the Strada Education Network. However, even though
two-year college students feel stress and anxiety prompted by the pandemic, they still
give their colleges high marks for career connections and value.
Community College Daily, Jan. 28, 2021
Commentary: Covid and credential attainment
For the first time since 2012-13, the number of undergraduate credential earners in
2019-20 did not increase over the prior year, according to new data released by the
National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. However, there were differences depending
on the credential level, and whether the credential earner had previously earned a
degree or certificate.
Community College Daily, Jan. 28, 2021
After the Pell ban
In 1994, Congress adopted a bill authored by then-Senator Joe Biden that banned people
in prison from having access to federal Pell Grants. Last month, after 26 years, that
ban was finally lifted. Advocates and practitioners agree, the change is monumental
for those in prison.
Inside Higher Ed, Jan. 27, 2021
Politics | Local, State, National
Senators call for more funding to train the unemployed
A bipartisan group of senators on Tuesday proposed providing federal grants to help
partnerships between community or technical colleges and workforce development groups
to help the unemployed or underemployed earn degrees and partnerships. The grants
would provide funding for improving job training, as well as removing barriers for
students by providing help for such costs as housing, mental health services, health
insurance, childcare and transportation.
Inside Higher Ed, Jan. 27, 2021
Cardona expresses support for access to community colleges, debt cancellation
Miguel Cardona, President Biden’s nominee to become education secretary, said increasing
access to community colleges would be a high priority if he is confirmed by the Senate.
Cardona, in a 30-minute interview with Connecticut Public Radio, also expressed support
for canceling student loans, at least in a targeted manner.
Inside Higher Ed, Jan. 26, 2021