State Board awards high-demand program funds

by Staff report
| October 2, 2023 5:46 PM

OLYMPIA — Eleven community colleges, three of them in eastern Washington, will receive $2 million to support programs that train students for high-demand careers, according to an announcement from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

The Legislature provided funding in the current state budget, which took effect in July, the announcement said. These colleges will receive awards over a two-year period:

• Clark College: $148,102 for the Medical Assisting program

• Columbia Basin College: $73, 824 for the Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program

• Green River College: $213,625 for the Licensed Practical Nurse program

• Highline College: $155,036 for the Substance Use Disorder Professional program

• North Seattle College: $153,569 for the Pharmacy Technician program

• Renton Technical College: $217,740 for the Computer Science program

• Shoreline College: $204,217 for the Certified Nursing Assistant program

• South Puget Sound Community College: $178,030 for the Cybersecurity and Network Administration program

• Tacoma Community College: $218,209 for the Respiratory Therapy Technician program

• Walla Walla Community College: $216,968 for the Welding Technology program

• Wenatchee Valley College: $220,680 for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program

Colleges first received funding for these programs in 2020 and the new allocations will build upon those investments, according to the announcement.

"We’re grateful for the Legislature’s investments. These programs help students prepare for in-demand and living-wage careers with industries that are looking to hire," William Belden, who coordinates the application and award process for the board, wrote in the announcement. "It all contributes to stronger families and communities."