State Board to hear college system-related legislative initiative updates ahead of 2023 session

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges will hold its regular business meeting Thursday, Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. On the agenda are updates on legislative initiatives related to the college system ahead of the 2023 session, set to begin Jan. 9. Board members will hear from a student panel on the Washington Community and Technical College Student Association's 2023 legislative agenda. Those priorities include:

• Textbook affordability
• Expanded mental health resources on campus
• Increased financial assistance for community and technical college students
• Child care assistance

Also on the agenda are updates on the college system's leadership development efforts and Running Start. Running Start is a dual credit program that allows high school juniors and seniors to take classes at a college for high school and college credit.

Prior to the business meeting, the board will hold a study session Dec. 7. Board members will hear from Tacoma-area community members on college enrollment, retention and completion during a roundtable session. Also scheduled are presentations and board discussions on Guided Pathways, and the I-BEST and Opportunity Grant programs.

The business meeting and study session will be held at Bates Technical College's Central Campus, 2320 S. 19th St. in Tacoma. The agenda and background materials are posted on the State Board website. Both meetings are open to the public.