The Six Steps to Enrolling were developed to ensure your academic success as you progress through your program of study at the Seattle Colleges. If this is your first time in college and you plan to earn a degree or certificate at one of our colleges, you must complete these steps before you can register for classes. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The Seattle Community College District operates on an open door admission policy (District Policy 305). Consistent with available space and resources, each campus admits those persons who:
The college does not desire to replace or duplicate the functions of the local public schools; however, persons under the age of 18 may request special admission on a course-by-course basis, provided they have attained at least high school junior standing. Criteria for granting admission are: competency at an appropriate academic, artistic, and/or technical talent level and the ability to participate in an adult learning environment. Specific admissions procedures are available in the registrar’s office at each campus and at www.seattlecolleges.edu/studentrules.aspx.
To apply, students have three options:
For those intending to transfer in credits from another college or university for evaluation, submit official copies of transcripts from any community colleges, universities or technical schools attended.
NOTE: For some programs at Seattle Central, high school transcripts may be required.
Students may enroll at more than one of the Seattle Community Colleges without paying more than the maximum tuition at any one college; however, additional class or college fees may be incurred. When applying online, submit separate applications for each college.
NOTE: Financial aid recipients may receive aid through only one college. See the Financial Aid office at your home college four weeks prior to the beginning of the quarter if you plan to enroll in more than one college in the district.
Students who were not enrolled for the most recent quarter, but who were previously enrolled at the Seattle Community Colleges, may enroll during open registration. Students should update their address information when registering.
NOTE: At Central, students may register with currently enrolled students if not more than five years have passed. Contact the Registration Office for an appointment.
Students who were dismissed for disciplinary or academic reasons must see the Vice President for Student Services (the Dean of Instruction at SVI).
Students who pause (drop out) for a quarter or more and are interested in graduating should be aware that they may choose to fulfill requirements in effect from an earlier catalog, provided:
Students are advised that if they graduate under an earlier catalog some current transfer requirements of four-year institutions may not be satisfied.
Residents – U.S. Citizens
To qualify for in-state (resident) tuition applicants must have lived in Washington state for reasons other than educational purposes for one full year prior to the first day of the quarter in which resident fees are requested. A financially dependent student may also be eligible for resident tuition if one or both parents or legally appointed guardian(s) have maintained a domicile in Washington for one full year prior to the first day of the quarter. Establishing permanent state residency includes compliance with Washington state laws, vehicle and driver’s license registration and registration to vote in this state, if applicable.
Applicants may qualify for in-state tuition rates without establishing residency if they:
Contact the Registration Office for more information on additional legal requirements to qualify for these exemptions.
Those who do not meet the residency requirements or eligibility for exemption are assessed tuition and fees based on “non-residency“ status.
Effective July 1, 2003, Washington state law changed the definition of “resident student” so that certain students who are not permanent residents or citizens of the United States are eligible for resident student status – and eligible to pay resident tuition rates – when they attend public colleges and universities in this state. The law does not make these students eligible to receive need-based state or federal financial aid. To qualify for resident status, students must complete an affidavit/declaration/certification if they are not permanent residents or citizens of the United States, but have met one of the following conditions:
Students who meet one of the above conditions must also certify that they will be filing an application to become a permanent resident of the United States as soon as they are eligible to apply. Students must also certify that they are willing to engage in activities designed to prepare them for citizenship, including citizenship and civics review courses.
Students who meet these conditions and would like to pay resident tuition rates should contact the college Registration Office:
Seattle Central Communty College (206) 934-3844 seattlecentral.edu/finaid
North Seattle Community College (206) 934-3688 northseattle.edu/financial-aid
South Seattle Communty College (206) 934-5317 southseattle.edu/finaid
Seattle Vocational Institute (206) 934-4977 sviweb.sccd.ctc.edu/fin-aid.htm
Financial aid may be available to help make education possible. Financial Aid offices can help students apply for grants, work-study, and scholarships. They also provide information on eligibility requirements, student rights and responsibilities in receiving aid, requirements for maintaining aid, planning a budget, and other financial concerns.
Student expenses include estimates of all school and basic college living expenses for the academic year (fall, winter, and spring quarters). Information on student budgets is available in the Consumer Information brochure available in the Financial Aid office at each campus and on the financial aid websites listed above.
Using information provided on financial aid forms, a determination is made of the amount a student is expected to contribute toward his or her expenses for the academic year. The amount a student can pay is subtracted from the cost of attendance to determine the amount of need.
Students are required to make satisfactory academic progress in their chosen course of study. Students are advised to check with the campus Financial Aid Office for requirements.
Three basic kinds of financial aid are available for students. Financial aid may consist of one or more of:
Eligible students pursuing approved pathways* may receive funding to cover tuition and mandatory fees up to 45 credits (990 clock hours) and up to $1000 per academic year for tools, texts and supplies.
* See “opportunity grants” on college websites for a list of approved programs. For additional grant information, visit www.sbctc.ctc.edu/s_opportunitygrants.aspx
Central (206) 934-6937 seattlecentral.edu/finaid/opportunity_grant.php
North (206) 934-3787 northseattle.edu/workforce-education/opportunity-grant
South (206) 934-5200 southseattle.edu/resources/opportunitygrant.htm
SVI (206) 934-3192 sviweb.sccd.ctc.edu/f_opportunity_grant.htm
StartNextQuarter.org
The Seattle Community Colleges offer hundreds of students free and reduced tuition, books, and fees every quarter through Start Next Quarter (SNQ). Interested students can see if they pre-qualify for Opportunity Grants, Worker Retraining, Basic Food Employment and Training, and WorkFirst funds by visiting this website. Students who pre-qualify for funding are invited to a Start Next Quarter workshop where their eligibility for funding is confirmed. Funding is limited and may be restricted to certain courses of study. Potential SVI students can also use SNQ.
(206) 934-4977
Federal and state financial assistance is available for students attending SVI. Depending on eligibility, assistance consists of work-study and grants, including Pell Grants, State Need Grants, and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG). SVI also participates in Worker Retraining, WorkFirst funding, the Opportunity Grant Program, Basic Food and Employment and Training (BFET), College Bound Scholarship and Passport Scholarship Programs.
Financial aid application instructions and funding options information is given in the Educational Planning Course described on pages 171-172. Early application is encouraged. Late applicants may have their entry into school delayed.
In order to maintain financial aid eligibility, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Veterans Affairs Offices Central & SVI (206) 934-4147 North (206) 934-3699 South (206) 934-5811
The Veterans Affairs Offices provide services to help veterans and eligible dependents receive and maintain VA educational benefits while in school. Benefits handled by college staff include the Montgomery G.I. Bill, Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, Veterans Education Assistance Program/VEAP, Reserve Education Assistance Program, Benefits Program for Dependents and Surviving Spouses, Selective Reserve Assistance Program, Vocational Rehabilitation Program and others. The office maintains attendance records and monitors academic progress, assists in applying for tutorial and work-study benefits (for some veterans), and approves eligibility for tuition discounts for eligible veterans, their spouses and/or their dependents.
To receive benefits, students must contact the Veterans Affairs campus office prior to the beginning of the academic quarter. If students are transferring from another school or are applying through the Veterans Administration, they must also contact the office to ensure all application requirements have been met. All veterans must apply for a credentials evaluation as soon as possible and notify the office immediately of any changes in address, program, dependents, enrollment, etc.
It is important that students be aware of all requirements outlined by the college and the Department of Veterans Affairs to fulfill educational objectives. Veterans and eligible dependents receiving benefits are required to maintain specific academic standards in order to retain benefits. Some classes or courses of study are not applicable for benefits.
Subject to limitations, Veterans or National Guard members, and their children and spouses, may be eligible for tuition waivers. For more information about eligibility, contact the Veterans Affairs Office at each campus.
Apply at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be certain to complete the application according to instructions.
When to Apply
All application documents must be accurately completed and delivered to the Financial Aid Office by the published deadline date. For exact dates see the “Deadline” section of the Consumer Information brochure available at each campus. It is recommended that the student begin this process as soon as possible.
Students need to apply only once each school year, but they must reapply every year of attendance. Applications are processed in the order received. Late applicants must plan to pay for their own tuition by the tuition deadline and purchase their own books so that they are ready to begin class on the first day of school. Aid will be disbursed later in the quarter to eligible, late-aid applicants.
Students are mailed a financial aid notification letter indicating award types and amount per quarter. It is important to read the notice carefully, following all instructions. Students are also notified by letter if they are ineligible for financial aid.
Financial aid is first applied to tuition and fees charged at the time of registration. Any remaining balance is issued to the student. A student has three options for receiving this disbursement (also called a refund):
Work-study awards are paid through a payroll check twice a month as the money is earned. Campus financial aid offices provide detailed instructions for both disbursements (refunds) and work-study payments.
Students receiving support from outside agencies should make certain the agency has sent its authorization to the Financial Aid Office at least a week before the tuition payment deadline.
If a student withdraws from school or drops more than the required credits to maintain aid, financial aid stops. Tuition refunds are not returned to the student but credited to the appropriate financial aid account. In the case of official withdrawal, students may be required to repay a percentage of their cash disbursement and/or tuition and fees. If a student drops out without notifying the school, he/she may be billed for the entire amount. Repayment is required before receiving consideration for any further aid, to register for future quarters, or to have transcripts released to another institution. Students should contact the campus Financial Aid Office for details.
Information in this publication regarding financial aid is subject to change without notice and does not constitute an agreement between the colleges and the students.
Most new students are required to take the COMPASS placement test (SVI students see below). COMPASS is an untimed, computerized test used by the colleges to evaluate reading, writing and math skills and to determine the appropriate math and English course placements. Possible exemptions to taking the test are recent proof of college-level English and math with a 2.0 or better GPA, other recent placement test scores, some training or performance courses.
Contact the Testing and Assessment Office, your college website, or www.beforeyoutest.org for details about taking the test or the test-prep workshop on your campus, and for current fees and guidelines.
www.beforeyoutest.org
Preparing for the test helps to ensure the most accurate test results and the best course placement. There are several options to prepare: A free two-hour workshop is available at all three colleges, usually twice a week. The workshop schedule is available on the website which also provides all the information you need about the COMPASS and on-line resources for test preparation, if you cannot attend a workshop. Current cost for the COMPASS Test is $18 (for 2012).
Some students also take the ESL COMPASS along with the Standard COMPASS Test to assess their English skills. If a student’s skill set is good, the computer moves the student into the Standard COMPASS for further assessment and placement.
Central Testing Office (206) 934-6344 seattlecentral.edu/testing
North Testing Center (206) 934-3674 northseattle.edu/testing
South Student Assessment Services (206) 934-6767 southseattle.edu/resources/sas/
SVI students take the CASAS Test. There is no fee for this test. Students prepare for the test by attending the Educational Planning Course described on page 171. SVI students for whom English is a second language take an ESL placement test.
SVI Educational Planning and Registration (206) 934-4980 sviweb.sccd.ctc.edu/r_epc.htm
The Seattle Community Colleges provide educational advising to new and enrolled students (District Policy 315). Advising is available to help plan a course of study and select the appropriate classes. At North and South, advisors provide information on Professional-Technical programs and academic transfer programs as well as admission requirements for four-year institutions. At Central, the Workforce Education Manager provides information on Professional-Technical programs, and advisors provide information on academic programs as well as admission requirements for four-year institutions. Advising centers maintain a broad collection of catalogs/transfer guides from colleges, universities, and vocational schools. Each college also has orientation sessions which new students are encouraged to attend. For more information, email or call
Central AdvisorCentral@seattlecolleges.edu (206) 934-4068
North AdvisorNorth@seattlecolleges.edu (206) 934-3658
South AdvisorSouth@seattlecolleges.edu (206) 934-5387
SVI Admissions (206) 934-2948
The Seattle Community Colleges require official enrollment before a student may enter any class. Official enrollment is the process of registering for classes and payment of tuition and fees.
Students may register for classes by using campus online services (see below) or completing an enrollment form, and then paying tuition.
The Seattle Community Colleges operate on a quarter system. The quarterly course schedules are published approximately 6 weeks before the start of a quarter and are available through campus online services, at campus registration desks or by mail. Registration information is provided to all new and currently enrolled students. Current students receive priority in registering.
Check the academic calendar on the back inside cover of this catalog or at www.seattlecolleges.edu/calendar/.
Students must maintain a current email address, telephone number and mailing address with the college to receive correspondence regarding registration status, financial aid, grades and other information.
Updates may be made via web online student services at each of the college websites or at the Registration Office.
Online registration via the college websites is available for students seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Students can use online services to register/add/drop classes, get quarterly grades, look up registration appointments, check financial status, change their PIN, or pay for classes by credit card or deferred payment plan. For more registration information, visit the campus website or contact the campus Registration Office.
Visit the Enroll Now page and select college you wish to register at.
SVI: SVI does not have online services at this time. Please see SVI for enrollment through the Educational Planning Course.
EMAIL: Email is the primary mode of communication with students at the three campuses. These emails may include information about admissions, deadline dates, registration, waitlist status updates, dropping for non-payment, residency, transfer credit evaluation and graduation. Students should keep their email addresses current with their college.
Students may not attend any class unless they have officially registered and paid tuition and fees. (Exception: students who are enrolling using a space-available waiver.) Instructors may not allow a student to attend their class if the student’s name is not on the class roster. Students who are officially enrolled in credit classes must be in attendance or communicate with the instructor no later than the first scheduled class. Students who are absent without prior approval of the instructor or the division/ department chair may be withdrawn by the college.
NOTE: Students should not assume that they have been dropped if they have not attended class on the first day; instead, they should officially drop or withdraw.
Adding Classes
After initial registration, students may add classes* through the end of the 10th day of the quarter (through the 8th day in Summer Quarter). Instructor permission may be required. Students may add classes online during designated time periods, or may complete an Add/Drop form in person at the Registration Office.
NOTE: Students may petition for a late registration* based on documentation demonstrating extenuating circumstances. Late registration petitions will only be considered for those students who attended classes prior to the 10th day of the quarter (8th day for summer). Cost is $10.00 per credit.
*Adding classes and late registration policies do not apply to SVI
To drop a course, students must complete the official withdrawal procedure, as listed in the campus quarterly schedule:
NOTE: Students cannot officially drop a class by simply informing the instructor of the withdrawal or by ceasing to attend class. Students must complete an Add/Drop process through online services or at the Registration Office, before the course withdrawal is considered official. Students should check the quarterly schedule for online service availability. Instructors have the option of issuing a failing grade to students who do not go through the official withdrawal process.
Tuition
Tuition at community and technical colleges in Washington State is charged by credits, rather than by part-time or full-time status. In addition to credit load, tuition is also determined by residency*. International students are required to carry a credit load of 12 or more to maintain their status.
*See Step 1 - Residency Requirements.
Students are not officially registered until tuition and fees have been paid in full to the college or contracted for full payment with a deferred payment plan for monthly tuition payment (see below). Payments must be received prior to the posted tuition deadline. Payments can be made online through the college website, through the mail or in person. VISA, Master Card, American Express and Discover credit cards may be used for online payment of tuition and fees (except at SVI). These credit cards, debit cards and checks in the exact amount of the tuition and fees are also accepted for payment at the cashier’s window. Cashiers are located near the Registration Offices at each of the campuses.
Seattle Central Community College(206) 934-4108 North Seattle Community College (206) 934-3627 South Seattle Community College(206) 934-5388 Seattle Vocational Institute(206) 934-4947
Each of the Seattle Community Colleges offers a deferred payment service through our partner, NBS. Enrollment in this program enables students to make automated monthly tuition payments from a bank account, debit card or credit card. Students must have a tuition/fee balance of $100 or more to be eligible for this option. Students taking Continuing Education classes and International students are not eligible for this option. For further information:
Central: seattlecentral.edu/registration/tuition.php North: northseattle.edu/tuition-fees/deferred-tuition-payment-system South: www.southseattle.edu/services/facts.htm
For each credit between 19 and 25 — Resident / On-Campus / eLearning .................................................... $ 96.26 (U.S. citizen; INS Permanent Resident) Non-resident/ On-Campus ............................................................... $ 268.26
* See www.seattlecolleges.edu/elearning for current eLearning tuition and fees
Student Fees
NOTE: Fees listed are for 2011–2012. All fees are subject to change. Fees are approved by the Seattle Community College District Board of Trustees in late spring of each y ear. For current amounts, go to www.seattlecolleges.edu/tuitionfees. aspx or refer to the quarterly class schedule on each campus.
Technology Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3 per credit
A technology fee of $3 per credit (for those taking more than 3 credits) assures student access to the latest technologies to enhance learning. These fees help to equip student laboratories, including access to email accounts. At Central and South, this fee maximum is $54 (18 cr.); at North, this fee maximum is $30.
Student Identification Card . . . . . . . . . . $5 (non-refundable)
The student identification card fee, which is non-refundable, is issued to all new and returning students.
Class and Lab Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .varies
Some classes require special fees for equipment, laboratory use, material or personal instruction. Such fees are listed in the quarterly class schedules.
Audited Class Fees . . . . . . . . . . . same as regular class fees
Transportation Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15 per quarter
A $15 per quarter Transportation Management Fee (TMP) is charged to students enrolled for 10 or more credits at standard tuition rates. This fee allows these students to exercise one of the following options:
For more information, call the campus Transportation Coordinator:
Central Community College(206) 934-4393 North Seattle Community College(206) 934-0060 South Seattle Community College(206) 934-5157 Seattle Vocational Institute(206) 934-4942
NOTE: These fees are non-refundable.
Credits by Examination credits are equivalent to course tuition.
English/Math Placement Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19 ea.
GED Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15 per test (section) or retest
Official Transcripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.40 ea. (Subject to change. Check with college for current fee.)
Work Experience Evaluation . . . . . . . . $100 per submission
Tuition Rates for Distance/eLearning: www.seattlecolleges.edu/elearning/default.asp?page=tuitionandfees
Tuition Rates for Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees: www.seattlecolleges.edu/DISTRICT/prospectivestudents/options.aspx?pg=bas
Tuition Rates for International Students: www.seattlecolleges.edu/international/costs.aspx
Several programs have lower tuition rates, including Adult Basic Education, GED Preparation, pre-college level English as a Second Language (ESL) and Running Start. Consult with the appropriate department for costs.
Non-credit Continuing Education classes have varied rates. Please see the Registration Office or Quarterly Class Schedule of any of our colleges for information about these special rates and fees, or for information about enrolling, paying fees, or more detail:
State Employees
Permanent Washington state employees working 50% of full-time equivalency (FTE) may register on a space-available basis using the State Tuition Waiver. Persons wishing to use this waiver may register between the 6th through the 10th instructional days of the quarter (5th and 8th for summer) after obtaining the instructor’s permission. The cost is $20 for the first 6 credits and is non-refundable. Students are responsible for any additional charges such as class fees, books, photo ID, transportation fee, or the Universal Technology fee.
NOTE: The following stipulations apply to the State Employees Waiver:
Waivers for Veterans
*See Step 2 - Financial Assistance for Veterans.
Senior Citizen Waiver
Washington state resident seniors, 60+ years, can enroll in two state-funded classes for audit or credit on a space available basis. Some exceptions do apply. Students attempting to use the waiver should go to class on the first day of the class. Using the standard registration form, obtain instructor’s signature if space is available and submit it to the Admissions/Registration Office beginning the 6th day (5th day for summer) of the quarter through the 10th day (8th day for summer) of the quarter. Cost is $5 per class. This rate is applicable only for two state-funded classes. Regular tuition will be charged for more than two classes. Students are responsible for any additional charges such as class fees, books, photo ID, transportation fee, Universal Technology fee, etc. (Continuing Education, WAOL, ESL courses and financial aid recipients are not eligible for this program.) Students who enroll prior to the 6th day of the quarter (5th for summer) will forfeit their waiver eligibility. This waiver is not available to students who plan to use the course credits gained thereby for increasing credentials or salary schedule increases.
Student injury and sickness insurance is available to students registered for 6 or more credits. Provided by Summit America Insurance Services, L.C., the policy provides broad coverage at a comparatively inexpensive rate. Student insurance must be purchased during the first two weeks of each quarter. For more information, see www.summitamerica-ins.com.
General Refunds
Tuition and fees (those that are refundable) will be refunded if complete or partial withdrawal from classes is accomplished within the first twenty (20) calendar days of the regular college quarter starting date (District Procedure 605.30.1). Fees and tuition refunds are returned automatically once students have officially dropped online or in person with the refund schedule below:
Withdrawal resulting from classes canceled by college . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100%
During the first five (5) instructional days of the college quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100%*
From the sixth (6) instructional day through the twentieth (20) calendar day of the college quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50%*
No refunds after the first twenty (20) calendar days of the college quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0% *Subject to administrative fee of $6.00.
There is no charge for dropping classes if no refund is involved. Allow at least two weeks from the time of payment for refund processing.
Refunds to financial aid recipients will be refunded to the appropriate financial aid account as required by federal and state regulations, including those students who are dismissed for disciplinary reasons.
International students who attend one of the Seattle Community Colleges on a visa and make advance payments must have enrolled at the college in the quarter for which they are requesting a refund and must provide documentation establishing extenuating circumstances, such as visa denial or medical reasons.
Withdrawal prior to 1st class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100%
During the first 5 calendar days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80%
From the 6th through the 14th calendar days . . . . . . . . .50%
No refund after the 14th calendar day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0%
Before 48 hours prior to first day class . . . . . . . . . . . .100%*
No refunds for cancellations within 48 hours of start of class or after class begins . . . . . . . . .0% *Subject to administrative fee
Seattle Central Community College: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .varies
Due to the wide array of programs offered by Seattle Central’s Continuing and Professional Education, refund policies are tailored to specific programs and courses. For specific refund information, call (206) 934-5476.
Disciplinary Reasons: No refund will be given to a student who is dismissed from the District for disciplinary reasons. (Policy 605.30.4)
Failure to follow procedures: No refund will be given to a student who fails to follow official withdrawal procedures. (Policy 605.30.4)
Summer quarter, short or irregular courses: Shorter courses, programs and summer quarter will also be refunded, but on appropriately shortened time frames. Lab Fees: Lab fees are based on consumption of supplies and materials. Those which are refundable will be refunded on the same schedule as tuition. (Policy 605.30.6)
Parking Fees: Parking fees will be refunded only in the case of 100% withdrawal from the college, in which case the fees will be refunded on the same schedule as tuition. (Policy 605.30.7)
Tuition Changes
Tuition is subject to change by the Washington State Legislature and approval by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. The Seattle Community College District reserves the right to change any of its fees or charges without notice.
Costs and expenses that result from collecting unpaid tuition and fees will be added to the total owed to the colleges, according to state laws RCW 28B.10.293 and RCW 19.16.500.
Green for the 21st Century in Seattle
Innovations in curriculum and operations have earned the 2009 Green Washington Award for the Seattle Community Colleges – Central, North and South. All three colleges are active members of the Seattle Climate Partnership and North was an early signer of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. A district-wide Chancellor’s Sustainability Initiative provides energy, focus and a forum for emerging training and initiatives.
Sustainability is infused into programs ranging from urban agriculture at Central to environmental science, real estate and building management across the district. Students have funded a sustainability coordinator. Campus activities include reducing the carbon footprint and promoting recycling and energy conservation, which earned a “Recycler of the Year” award for South. Last year, the college culinary operations diverted 31 tons of materials to a regional composting facility – which returned the compost to “green” the college landscape.
For more information visit www.seattlecolleges.edu/green
Helping displaced workers to ‘Start Next Quarter’
During the economic downturn, thousands of displaced workers turned to the Seattle Community Colleges at the same time regional employers reported a need for skilled workers to fill jobs in the new economy. To help both potential workers and employers, the Seattle Community Colleges developed Start Next Quarter (SNQ), a two-part initiative designed to improve the success of dislocated workers who enroll in technical education programs. SNQ invites prospective students to assess their eligibility for workforce funding online and connects them to a comprehensive two-day college success workshop held at each campus. The workshops are based on a model developed at one of the district campuses. Students who complete the workshop are more likely to complete their training programs and to obtain jobs using their new skills. The project was developed in part through a grant from the League for Innovation, funded by the Walmart Foundation Bright Futures project to serve displaced workers.
Visit www.startnextquarter.org
A Model for the Region
The Opportunity Center for Employment and Education at North Seattle Community College is a regional resource and the first integrated service center of its kind in Washington state. Since the OCE&E opened its doors in spring 2011, more than 40,000 people have come for one-stop help in finding a new job, career retraining or to sign up for public assistance benefits. Founding partners were the state Departments of Social and Health Services and Employment Security, the college, and the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County. The campus and the new LEED Gold Certified 45,000-square foot facility are in the heart of Seattle’s north end and close to a major transit hub. House Speaker Frank Chopp and Rep. Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney (sponsor of the legislation and a former Seattle District trustee) championed the OCE&E in the state legislature. The center aims to provide streamlined services in a positive environment, helping clients succeed in the next stage of their lives.