Colleges need legislative support to help transfer students attain 4-year degrees

BY SABAH RANDHAWA AND MARTY CAVALLUZZI

For many Washington residents, particularly in underserved areas, the path to a four-year baccalaureate education and greater social mobility often begins in our community college system.

But too few of the students who enter community college intending to get a bachelor’s degree ever do. Western Washington University in Bellingham and Olympic College, which serves Kitsap and Mason counties, are determined to tackle this persistent problem. Our two institutions are the first in the state to have been selected by the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program to participate in a program designed to improve the practices and policies associated with equitable transfer student success. Based on a recent labor market analysis by the Washington Roundtable, it is estimated that employers will add 373,000 net new jobs in Washington state over the next five years. The state’s anticipated annual job growth rate of 2.1% will far outpace the national rate of 1.3%. Most of these jobs — an estimated 70% — will be filled by workers with a post-high school credential. Washington employers want to hire local talent to fill these positions whenever possible and it’s essential that our citizens are ready.

Based on a recent labor market analysis by the Washington Roundtable, it is estimated that employers will add 373,000 net new jobs in Washington state over the next five years. The state’s anticipated annual job growth rate of 2.1% will far outpace the national rate of 1.3%. Most of these jobs — an estimated 70% — will be filled by workers with a post-high school credential. Washington employers want to hire local talent to fill these positions whenever possible and it’s essential that our citizens are ready.