Ford Foundation Bridges to Opportunity

NCWE 2004 Fall Conference

Washington State’s Goals To develop a systemic vision that

integrates adult literacy, workforce, and transfer missions with the state’s economic development needs

To provide a pathway to a better future for low-income people

Tina Bloomer

Student Achievement Director,

Washington State Board for Community &Technical Colleges

Conduct a study on demand and capacity for students identifying need for technical bachelors degrees      

professional/technical specialization

management specialization

Develop a statewide transfer degree in elementary education

Work on the development of state-level applied baccalaureate transfer agreements

Workforce to Transfer Integration Project

Integrated Social Services for Low-Income Students

Conduct a feasibility study on the collocation of Employment Security Department and the Department of Social and Health Services services on campuses.

Identify the “right” services for collocation and changes to the delivery system

Identify what we are striving to do by locating services together to better serve low income people

Workforce/Adult Basic Education Integration Projects

Quality integrated learning occurs when: Efforts begin with faculty most optimistic

and enthused about integrated learning

Relationships, roles, and responsibilities are clear with all stakeholders

Faculty members are cross-educated about the culture, norms, and values of their respective disciplines

Curriculum is built between Adult Education and Professional/Technical faculty members

Research Project Create a better understanding of low-

income students

Identify the state-level policy implications One year of college credit + a credential

is the tipping point for students struggling to find career pathways.

Build the pathways for commuters. Run it on their schedules, accommodate lots of on and off traffic, facilitate good connections to long-term destinations.

Communication Project

Work with consultant Increase the proficiency of communicating

about low-income students with key external and internal constituencies

Financial Aid Policy

The Future Teachers Program

A pilot project for students working 30+ hours per week and take five credits or less

Questions