In 1915, our region made history with the opening of the state’s first junior college on the top floor of Everett High School, expanding the opportunity for higher education.
Today, the demand for higher education close to home is still crucial for our area’s quality of life and economic strength.
Last week, Gov. Chris Gregoire made a historic investment in higher education in our region by signing House Bill 3113, creating the University Center of North Puget Sound. The legislation will expand access to bachelor’s degree programs and build a more skilled workforce in north Snohomish, Skagit and Island counties.
Led by Everett Community College, the University Center will form partnerships with state colleges and universities to introduce new bachelor’s degree programs and expand existing programs.
The University Center draws on the work of the North Snohomish, Island and Skagit County Higher Education Consortium. Everett Community College was asked by the Legislature to lead the consortium in 2005, and tasked with forming an education plan to expand access to bachelor’s degree programs. The plan recommended creating a new model – the University Center.
The University Center is needed because our region is one of the most underserved for access to bachelor’s degrees in the state. North Snohomish, Skagit and Island counties are sending at least 500 fewer people than we should to obtain bachelor’s degree every year, despite higher than average enrollment in community college programs, according to the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. The Higher Education Coordinating Board has reported that by the year 2025 the gap will be more than 4,100 full-time students.
Everett Community College student Jamie Alvarez is one of many students applauding the governor’s and Legislature’s decision. Jamie, 35, enrolled at Everett Community College this year after he was laid off from his job as a manufacturing manager.
He plans to earn his associate’s degree in nursing at EvCC, but knows he can better support his family with more education. He wants to earn his bachelor’s degree while working part-time, and needs to be able to take classes nearby.
He’s not alone.
A recent survey of students and employers in the three counties found a strong demand for bachelor’s degree programs here. Transfer students and working adults unable to make the long drive to the University of Washington or Western Washington University now have another option to improve their education and skills.
The governor’s and Legislature’s commitment to higher education in our area includes funding for Everett Community College to partner with universities to offer bachelor’s degree classes starting in September. The budget also includes funding for University Center classroom space on the college’s main campus and interactive television classrooms at Skagit Valley College, so more students can connect to upper-division classes.
Our legislators played critical roles in the passage of the legislation and in securing funding for the University Center. Rep. Mike Sells introduced and shepherded the legislation through the House. Sen. Jean Berkey took the lead in ensuring that the Senate approved the legislation and funding. Rep. Hans Dunshee secured critical funding for the University Center in the state’s capital budget.
House members John McCoy, Chris Strow, John Lovick, Brian Sullivan, Mary Helen Roberts, Bob Hasegawa, Phyllis Kenney, Helen Sommers and Larry Haler, and Sens. Harriett Spanel, Dave Schmidt, Paull Shin, Rosemary McAuliffe, Karen Fraser and others worked in support of the University Center and were all a key part of the effort to pass the legislation and obtain funding.
We also are grateful for the support of Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon, Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson and other community supporters who value higher education and its role in our communities.
I commend the governor and the Legislature for taking action to address the region’s unmet need for higher education. The University Center sets the table for future investment in higher education needs for our region. Higher education close to home is crucial for our area’s quality of life and economic strength. With this historic decision our future has been strengthened.
Michael Kerns is the interim president of Everett Community College and the college’s vice president of administration.
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