Clover Park Technical College Foundation receives gift from the Muckleshoot Tribe

$5,000 grant will continue to build our Emergency Assistance Endowment 

Lakewood, WA – The Muckleshoot Tribe has awarded a $5,000 gift to Clover Park Technical College Foundation. The money will be used to continue to build our Emergency Assistance Endowment.

“We are grateful for the Muckleshoot Tribe’s donation,” said Dr. Debbie Ranniger, Executive Director. “The money will be used to fund our emergency assistance endowment – a fund that helps students stay in school by offering critical and timely assistance.”

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has long understood the importance of being proactive in meeting the needs of its community. The Muckleshoot Charity Fund has placed high priority in awarding grants to organizations throughout the region that address the unique local and regional issues facing the population.
Most Muckleshoot Charity Fund awards range from $1,500 to $5,000, allowing many agencies to benefit from the funds available. Applications for larger awards are on an invitation only basis. Profits from the Muckleshoot Casino are the sole source of funding for the Muckleshoot Charity Fund grants.

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About the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe:
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe is comprised of the descendants of the area's original Coast Salish peoples. The Tribe has lived in this area for thousands of years, possibly since the last glaciers receded. The Tribe's ancestral homeland, now known as the Muckleshoot Usual & Accustomed Area (or U & A), consists of a vast area stretching along the eastern and southern reaches of Puget Sound and the western slope of the Cascade Range.

About Clover Park Technical College Foundation:
The Clover Park Technical College Foundation was founded in 1992. The Foundation is a public, non-profit corporation. Clover Park Technical College and its Foundation have assisted thousands of individuals to successfully obtain their educational and career goals. Clover Park Technical College offers more than 50 career training degree and certificate programs in the areas of business, computer information and technology, health sciences, manufacturing, construction and trades, multimedia design, and personal care services.  The college also offers certification, online and distance learning, as well as continuing education courses. www.cptc.edu/foundation  

$5,000 grant aids ABE/ESL students

Clover Park Technical College has received a $5,000 grant from the College Access Challenge Grant Program from the US Department of Education. The goal is to increase retention and student success.

The grant will focus on retention and transition efforts within the ABE/GED math classes during winter and spring quarters and will provide supplemental math instruction for Adult Basic Education/English as a Second Language (ABE/ESL) students. Student Peer Mentors will provide the instruction.

The peer mentors, who have already successfully completed the coursework, will attend math classes alongside their assigned students. The mentors will organize and lead weekly study sessions focused on the material covered in class.

Mentors will also meet periodically with faculty to provide feedback about the concepts in which students are struggling.

This supplemental instruction model is intended to focus on teaching students how to study, i.e. how to take notes, and how to collaborate with other students. The instruction model is designed to be a proactive intervention.

Study sessions are open to all students.

Pierce County Colleges join to serve business through Invista Performance Solutions

Business Launch scheduled for Wednesday, January 18

Businesses or organizations that need training and education for their workers have a new resource in Pierce County. Invista Performance Solutions is the first collaboration among Pierce County colleges to serve the business community through a single point of contact.

Invista is responsible for centralized coordination of corporate education programs and services that advance businesses by increasing the skills of their workers. This partnership of colleges includes Bates Technical College, Clover Park Technical College, Pierce College District, and Tacoma Community College
The new entity streamlines the way businesses, non-profit organizations and government organizations access training and development services for their employees, according to Lisa Edwards, Global Solutions Officer for Invista.

“We’ve been talking about doing this for a long time,” she said. “Now businesses and organizations that need to develop their employees can make one call no matter where they’re located or what they need.”
Invista is based on a model used successfully by TCC’s Corporate Education Department. In the last year, TCC Corporate Education completed $1.7 million in training contracts with businesses in the region. Countywide, the colleges collectively delivered more than $2 million in training.

Invista is a member of Global Corporate College, a national network of leading colleges dedicated to serving businesses across their global footprint.  “Invista offices are now headquartered on the campus of Clover Park Technical College, and the team will create and deliver training whenever and wherever it is needed,”  Edwards said.

Invista will host a business launch on Jan. 18, 2012, at 11:30 a.m. at the Clover Park Technical College Conference Center, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood. The event will include a networking lunch and keynote from Fortune 500 consultant and author Braden Kelley, who wrote Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire. The event will focus on increasing innovation and how to prepare your business to be more innovative.

For more information, contact Invista Performance Solutions at 253.583.8861or www.invistaperforms.org 

Aerospace liaison appointed, composites and material science programs take off

Clover Park Technical College is pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Bird, Instructional Dean for Technology, Transportation and Science/Engineering as the new Aerospace Liaison.

Dean Bird’s new area of responsibility includes directing the more than $2.2 million in federal and state aerospace grants recently awarded to the College. In addition to membership on several community committees dedicated to promoting the growth of the aerospace sector Dean Bird will manage the development of new grant opportunities as well as new degree and certificate programs at the college, including a possible applied baccalaureate in this field.

Since 2008, Bird has led the College’s efforts to form a strong partnership with its aerospace industry partners, including Boeing. With the recent, steady growth of the aerospace industry, Clover Park is establishing itself as a recognized leader in aerospace career training programs. The College has been recognized for the quality of its programming and the strength of its industry partnerships.

“In today’s economic times, every college is trying to identify a niche in which it can excel,” said Lori Banaszak, Vice President for Instruction. “Thanks to our industry partners, our long history in the Aviation field, the growth of the industry today, and our well-established South Hill Aviation Campus, we have positioned ourselves for growth. Andy Bird will do a great job leading this effort.”

Andy Bird holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and a Master’s degree in Education, both from Western Washington University. He has been with Clover Park Technical College since 2007. Prior to Clover Park, Bird held leadership positions in the K-12 system as well as in the classroom teaching science and mathematics.

Clover Park has spent decades building a strong foundation in the aerospace industry beginning in the 1940’s with Professional Pilot and Aviation Maintenance Technician programs. Recently, the college has added Aerospace Composite Technician and Material Science.

Both of these new programs have waiting lists.

Grants Help Expand the Aerospace Programs

Aerospace Composite Technician program

In September, more than $2.2 million in grants were awarded to Clover Park Technical College in support of the College’s aerospace-related training programs. The news is timely considering Boeing and its subcontractors may need up to 5,000 trained workers per year in the coming years.

Clover Park Technical College successfully operates three aerospace training programs at our South Hill Campus including: Aerospace Composite Technician, Aviation Maintenance Technician, and Professional Pilot.

The Lakewood Campus offers two aerospace-related programs in Manufacturing Technologies and Material Science.

This new Material Science program provides the opportunity to pursue an AAS-T degree in Non-Destructive Testing or an AAS-T degree in Composites and/or a certificate in Eddy Current Testing. Additional certificates in Ultrasonic Testing, Radiographic Testing and Magnetic Particle/Liquid Penetrant Testing will follow in subsequent quarters.

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About Clover Park Technical College:

Clover Park Technical College offers more than 50 career training degree and certificate programs in the areas of business, computer information and technology, health sciences, manufacturing, construction and trades, multimedia design, and personal care services.  The college also offers certification, online and distance learning, as well as continuing education courses. 

For more information call 253-589-5800, or visit www.cptc.edu/careers, www.cptc.edu/aerospace

Aerospace Composite Technician program lab at the South Hill Campus

South Hill Campus Honor Society auction benefits Angel Flight West

On December 9, the Aviation Maintenance Honor Society held a silent auction to benefit Angel Flight West. 

The Honor Society was founded in March of this year to promote a higher level of skill and professionalism in aviation maintenance.  

Angel Flight West is a not-for-profit professional airlift organization that transports people from outlying areas who require medical attention.  Twenty of the 40 aviation club members worked diligently on the auction, contributing their own time, money and manpower to raise almost $2,400.

Approximately 30 people were in constant attendance making bids on more than 50 donated items including two round-trip tickets from Alaska Airlines and a media release flight jacket from the film, "Top Gun."  

“This was the beginning,” said Ben Watson, current club president.  “We hope to make the auction an annual event.”

Aviation Maintenance Club members who helped put this event together.

Christian Holtz – Western Regional Representative, Angel Flight West

Dr. John Walstrum, President of Clover Park Technical College and his wife Penny look at some of the auction items.

Zero Energy House featured in popular blog

From the retrotec blog:

Community: Clover Park's Zero Energy House

“You just can’t stop a good idea. If you can dream it, you can achieve it. The only thing necessary is to live with a decided heart and pursue your goals without exception.” Dan Smith, Clover Park Technical College. In the parking lot of Clover Park Technical College, a zero energy house is showing students how to “build tight and ventilate right”. Step by step students are learning what it takes to build a completely off-grid conventional home, from products to installation.
Read more

Clover Park Technical College developmental education instructor receives national award

Tula Mollas, Developmental Education instructor in English and Math, has been selected to receive the 2012 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence in Teaching award.

“Tula is an exemplary instructor who exhibits a passion for her work while providing advocacy and support for every student,” said Lori Banaszak, Vice President for Instruction. “Tula’s enthusiasm, her commitment to student success, her sense of humor, and her genuine interest in her students all combine to ensure that students are offered an excellent educational opportunity within the courses she teaches,” added Banaszak.

In May, Tula will represent Clover Park at the 2012 NISOD conference in Austin, Texas. The annual Excellence Awards ceremony honors many of the world's best in higher education.

According to her nominator, “Tula not only encourages and supports her students but sets high expectations for her classes and assists students with reaching their goals.”

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About NISOD Excellence Award:

Since its inception in 1978, the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) has emphasized the importance of teaching and leadership excellence in institutions of higher education. NISOD has worked to serve, engage, and inspire teachers and leaders through our conferences, publications, web services, partnerships, programs, and more.  For more information visit www.nisod.org

About Clover Park Technical College:

Clover Park Technical College offers more than 50 career training degree and certificate programs in the areas of business, computer information and technology, health sciences, manufacturing, construction and trades, multimedia design, and personal care services.  The college also offers certification, online and distance learning, as well as continuing education courses. 

For more information call 253-589-5800, or visit www.cptc.edu/careers 

Clover Park Technical College online instructor receives Master Reviewer certification

Fran Hunter, online instructor for the Dental Administrative Specialist program, is now a certified Master Reviewer - the first instructor to receive this designation at Clover Park Technical College.

“The journey started nearly two years ago; it has been a very intense and rigorous endeavor,” said Hunter. “I am grateful to the incredible team at QM. Their facilitators and company employees truly believe in student success and support and I am working hard to emulate what they did for me as a student.”

Quality Matters (QM) is a faculty-centered, peer review process that is designed to certify the quality of online and blended courses. QM is a leader in quality assurance for online education and has received national recognition for its peer-based approach and continuous improvement in online education and student learning.

QM subscribers include community and technical colleges, colleges and universities, K-12 schools and systems, and other academic institutions.

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About the Quality Matters Program:

There are three primary components in the Quality Matters Program: The QM Rubric (a set of 8 general standards and 41 sub-standards), the Peer Review Process (a COI process that results in a QM quality certification), and QM Professional Development (training at various levels, and networking with peers).

QM was started by MarylandOnline, Inc., a consortium of colleges and universities, who saw early the quality challenge and continues its innovative work today. QM maintains a registry of courses that have met Quality Matters' rigorous design standards. QM has trained more than 8,000 faculty and instructional design staff.

Clover Park Technical College Foundation receives gift from Classical Glass Corvette Club

Clover Park Technical College Foundation receives gift from Classical Glass Corvette Club

Funds will support scholarships for students enrolled in automotive programs

The Classical Glass Corvette Club has awarded a $3,000 gift to Clover Park Technical College Foundation. The money will be used for automotive careers scholarships.

“We are grateful for this club’s commitment to students, especially around the holidays,” said Dr. Debbie Ranniger, Executive Director. “The money will be well spent on furthering the education of needy students.”

The Classical Glass Corvette Club first established an endowed scholarship for automotive students in 2007. To date, the club has given $16,500 toward the endowment and another $3,500 in funds for annual scholarships.

Each year, the club raises these funds through their annual 5-Star Classic Corvette show in August. The corvette show will be held at Clover Park Technical College on August 11, 2012, and will also include other classic cars.

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About the Classical Glass Corvette Club:

The Classical Glass Corvette Club of Tacoma is a non-profit organization, incorporated in May of 1970, with an average membership of 195. The club belongs to the Northwest Association of Corvette Clubs (NWACC), which is made up of 16 clubs from Oregon & Washington. The Classical Glass Corvette Club meets monthly, supports local charities, and organizes and participates in special events. www.classicalglasscorvetteclub.com

About Clover Park Technical College Foundation:

The Clover Park Technical College Foundation was founded in 1992. The Foundation is a public, non-profit corporation. Clover Park Technical College and its Foundation have assisted thousands of individuals to successfully obtain their educational and career goals. Clover Park Technical College offers more than 50 career training degree and certificate programs in the areas of business, computer information and technology, health sciences, manufacturing, construction and trades, multimedia design, and personal care services.  The college also offers certification, online and distance learning, as well as continuing education courses. www.cptc.edu/foundation

Health sciences facility groundbreaking set for Wednesday afternoon

The ceremonial gold shovels will dig on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. as Clover Park Technical College celebrates the groundbreaking of its new health sciences facility located at the center of campus.

Highlights of the ceremony include remarks from President Walstrum, Senator Derek Kilmer, Chair of the Senate Capital Budget Committee, Veronica Marohn, Aide to Governor Gregoire, Charlie Earl, Executive Director of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and Matt Lane, Principal at McGranahan Architects.

Clover Park Technical College instructs the largest number of health care related programs within Pierce County.  The College’s 11 health training programs have long since outgrown Building 14, built in 1981. Building 14 is approximately 22,000 square feet.

The new health sciences facility will be twice that size in order to accommodate the 2,166 full-time equivalent students whom the College currently educates in our health care training programs that vary from Surgical Technician to Registered Nurse.  Students will have the opportunity to learn in a LEED silver, state of the art facility which includes laboratories that resemble current health care industry standards.

Health occupations are one of the few area industries that continue to see job openings even during economic downturns with vacancies at the highest of any occupation.

Health care careers represent one of the best pathways to prosperity for Pierce County residents. Since they also pay family level wages, they are equally critical to individuals seeking economic self-sufficiency.

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About Clover Park Technical College:
Clover Park Technical College offers more than 50 career training degree and certificate programs in the areas of business, computer information and technology, health sciences, manufacturing, construction and trades, multimedia design, and personal care services.  The college also offers certification, online and distance learning, as well as continuing education courses.
For more information call 253-589-5800, or visit www.cptc.edu/careers

Frequently asked questions:

How is the Health Sciences Facility funded?
Over six years ago, the College submitted a request for a new health sciences facility to house our growing health care training programs. This June, Clover Park Technical College was one of five community and technical colleges that received construction funding during the 2011-13 biennium. The Legislature funded this project solely out of the capital budget - no operating funds were used by the State to fund this project.

The College requested approximately $24 million during the 2011-13 biennium for construction. The Legislature cut our budget by 15 percent. The College is looking at a combined approach to bridge that gap without reducing the size of the Facility.

Why is this Facility necessary?
Clover Park Technical College instructs the largest number of health care related programs within Pierce County.  The College’s 11 health training programs have long since outgrown Building 14, built in 1981. Building 14 is approximately 22,000 square feet.

The new health sciences facility will be twice that size in order to accommodate the 2,166 full-time equivalent students whom the College currently educates in our health care training programs that vary from Surgical Technician to Registered Nurse.  Students will have the opportunity to learn in a LEED silver, state of the art facility which includes laboratories that resemble current health care industry standards.

Where will the Facility be located?
The Health Sciences Facility will be located in the now vacant lot between Buildings 16 and 23 directly to the south of Building 18.

What size will the Facility be?
55,562 square feet, with two floors.

When will the Facility begin construction?
November 28, 2011.

When will it be completed?
Approximately June 2013.

Which building number will the Facility be allocated?
Twenty-one.

Which career training programs will be moved into Building 21?
Nursing Assistant Certified, Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, Surgical Technician, Medical Histology Technician, Medical Lab Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Health Unit Coordinator, Medical Assistant, Hemodialysis, and Central Service Sterile Processing.

How many classrooms?
Ten.

How many computer laboratories?
Three.

How many general purpose laboratories?
Two general science labs in addition to the laboratory spaces dedicated to the career training programs previously mentioned.

How many conference rooms?
Three.

What is unique about the Facility?
This is the College’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certified Project. In order to meet the LEED standards, the College included features such as a patio/roof garden, herbal garden, landscaping using native plants, energy efficient lighting, HVAC, and plumbing features.

The program laboratory learning spaces will reflect current industry standards. These spaces will also include learning spaces that operate simulation mannequins (“SimMans”) and capture this instruction on a live feed that is shown to a larger student audience elsewhere in the Facility.

Two classrooms will include interactive television capability and wireless internet access will be available throughout the building.

The Facility will also have state-of-the-art security and remote lockdown capability in the event of an emergency.

Annual Veterans Day ceremony to pay tribute, honor service

Keynote speaker Congressman Adam Smith

Lakewood, WA – The Associated Student Government at Clover Park Technical College will host its annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the McGavick Student Center, Building 23 at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 10.

 

The event is open to the public.

The program will feature the presentation and posting of colors, National Anthem performed by Callie Saulsburry, student in the Human Services program, Veterans Day video produced by the Associated Student Government, keynote speech given by Congressman Adam Smith (WA-9), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, and a processional to the Veterans Memorial for the presentation of the wreath (in front of Building 16). 

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About Congressman Adam Smith:

Now in his 8th term, Smith serves as the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, where he is a strong advocate for our military personnel and their families. Smith is committed to providing our military personnel with the best equipment available to carry out their current and future missions while ensuring that the Pentagon spends taxpayer dollars in the most efficient and effective manner.‪ This includes carefully examining our current policies and working to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.  

About Clover Park Technical College:

Clover Park Technical College offers more than 50 career training degree and certificate programs in the areas of business, computer information and technology, health sciences, manufacturing, construction and trades, multimedia design, and personal care services.  The college also offers certification, online and distance learning, as well as continuing education courses. 

For more information call 253-589-5800, or visit www.cptc.edu/careers

Clover Park Technical College Foundation receives gift from Woodworth Family Foundation

Funds to be used to support scholarships for students enrolled in health occupation programs

The Woodworth Family Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to

Clover Park Technical College. The money will be used for health careers scholarships.

“Affording college in good times is difficult but now it is even more challenging for most of our students,” said Lori Banaszak, Vice President of Instruction. “This will provide wonderful, and very necessary, assistance to individuals enrolled in our healthcare programs.”

While Clover Park’s tuition is among the lowest of any college in Washington, cuts to both federal and state financial aid have added additional barriers to our students, who demonstrate a level of financial need so precarious, that they are often one utility bill or rent payment away from dropping out.

The health careers scholarship will support economically disadvantaged students enrolled in an allied health or nursing program at Clover Park Technical College. In particular, the project will target needy individuals for whom training will lead to financial independence and long-term career growth. As health occupations are one of the few area industries that continue to see job openings even during economic downturns, they represent one of the best pathways to prosperity for Pierce County residents.

Accelerating college progression, improving student success, synchronizing skills with employer demands. These goals, challenging under the best economic circumstances, carry even greater significance for those who are out of work and now look to a college system overwhelmed with excess enrollment and diminishing support.

In Pierce County, however, the public two-year colleges have taken steps to successfully leverage partnerships that have strengthened opportunities for career growth in health occupations. These partnerships are critical to the region as health care vacancies are the highest of any occupation.

Since health care occupations also pay family level wages, they are equally critical to individuals seeking economic self-sufficiency.

About the Woodworth Family Foundation:

Since 2005, the Woodworth Family Foundation has been contributing to the region by supporting community organizations through grants. The Foundation supports nonprofit, 501(c)3 organizations in the Tacoma and Pierce County area that focus on education, youth services, health care and human services. www.woodworthfamilyfoundation.org

About Clover Park Technical College Foundation:

The Clover Park Technical College Foundation was founded in 1992. The Foundation is a public, non-profit corporation. Clover Park Technical College and its Foundation have assisted thousands of individuals to successfully obtain their educational and career goals. Clover Park Technical College offers more than 50 career training degree and certificate programs in the areas of business, computer information and technology, health sciences, manufacturing, construction and trades, multimedia design, and personal care services.  The college also offers certification, online and distance learning, as well as continuing education courses. www.cptc.edu/foundation   

Lindsey Cassels, Clover Park student, shines during Monday press conference about Open Course Library launch

GROUNDBREAKING STATE-SPONSORED PROGRAM CREATES FREE COURSE MATERIALS, WILL SAVE  COLLEGE STUDENTS MILLIONS

Open Course Library launch marks the beginning of the end of $200 textbooks 

OLYMPIA, Wash. - On Monday during a telephone press conference, the Washington State Board for
Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) announced the launch of the Open Course Library, a collection of expertly developed educational materials for 42 of the state's highest-enrolled college courses. The materials - including textbooks, syllabi, activities, readings, assessments - cost $30 or less per student and are freely available online under an open license for use by the state's 34 public community and technical colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and anyone else worldwide. The project is set to expand to 81 courses by 2013.

Nationally recognized as a groundbreaking initiative, the Open Course Library aims to cut down textbook costs and improve course completion rates, helping more students earn the industry-recognized degrees and credentials they need to enter the workforce.

"For employers, it's about up-skilling the labor force," said Shaunta Hyde, State Board member and director of Global Aviation Policy for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Evidence shows the burden of high college expenses can impact student success and degree completion. By offering high-quality, affordable resources, this initiative will ultimately lead to more college graduates with better job prospects."

According to an informal study by the Student Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs), the Open Course Library could save students as much as $41.6 million on textbooks annually if adopted at all of Washington's community and technical colleges. The study also estimates that the 42 faculty course developers and their departments will save students $1.26 million by using the materials during the 2011-2012 school year, which alone exceeds the $1.18 million cost of creating the courses. "These savings will not only help Washington's students afford college, but clearly provide a tremendous return on the original investment," said Nicole Allen, Textbook Advocate for the Student PIRGs.

Each course was developed and peer reviewed by a team of instructors, instructional designers and librarians. Use of the course materials is optional, but many faculty and departments are already moving to adopt them.

This fall, the mathematics department at Green River Community College in Auburn, Wash. began using the Precalculus I course in place of an expensive, traditional textbook.

"I supported, and promoted, my division's adoption of the text by David Lippman and Melonie Rasmussen text primarily because it is, in my opinion, the best precalculus text available. Even those in the division who might disagree ranked it no lower than second," said Michael Kenyon, the department's coordinator. "And there's no contest on price. Our two main criteria for choosing textbooks are quality and price. The authors have simply written a better book at a much better price."

Lindsey Cassels, an Esthetics Sciences student at Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood, Wash. took a class using the Open Course Library's public speaking course materials. "It was the least expensive and most beneficial course I have taken, since the course materials cost us no more than $30 out of pocket." Like many students, Cassels spends more than $1,000 on textbooks annually, which she says can deprive our economy of better-educated workers by making it harder to afford college. "It is outrageous to pay $200 or more per textbook. In a four-quarter program, it's enough to make students drop out."

Funded by the Washington State Legislature and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Open Course Library joins the growing movement for open educational resources (OER), setting a strong example by requiring that all materials created through the program be openly licensed to the public to freely use,
adapt and distribute. Already, other initiatives are lining up to use and improve the materials, including
the Saylor Foundation, Project Kaleidoscope and the City of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

"It's not often that government gets this right," said Rep. Reuven Carlyle (D-Seattle) of Washington State's 36th District, a champion of the Open Course Library and OER. "This is a significant state investment in this era of massive budget cuts. We had little choice but to seize the opportunity of this crisis to challenge the status quo of the old-style cost model in both K-12 and higher education."

"Washington state is a national leader in developing innovative programs that help more students graduate from community and technical colleges," said Josh Jarrett, deputy director of Postsecondary Success at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "This Open Course Library will ensure more students can afford to stay enrolled in college and graduate with a degree that will prepare them for the workforce."

Background: 
Open Course Library http://opencourselibrary.org
Open Course Library FAQs http://www.opencourselibrary.org/about/faq
Student Public Interest Research Groups http://www.studentpirgs.org/textbooks/research
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges http://sbctc.edu/
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/postsecondaryeducation/Pages/default.aspx


About the Washington State Board for Community Colleges: 
The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) is responsible for administering the
Community and Technical College Act and providing leadership and coordination for Washington's public system of 34 community and technical colleges. SBCTC also provides shared technology resources and manages a number projects, including the Open Course Library. SBCTC has used system-wide shared
courses for over two decades to support faculty and students.

Low-income students helped through special services grant at local technical colleges

Low income students at Bates and Clover Park Technical Colleges now have access to special services because of the Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) grant from the Dept. of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).

To be eligible for the grant, students must receive basic food assistance (food stamps) through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

The Basic Food Employment and Training grant provides funding for colleges to create special programs specifically designed to help food stamp-eligible students obtain the skills and education necessary to achieve self-sufficiency and help close the employment skills gap.

Students who qualify for the BFET program can receive funding assistance for education and skills training, and related support programs. At both colleges, students can obtain assistance to help pay for tuition, and get special help filing financial aid forms. Each student is assigned a program manager who acts as a mentor – helping to navigate the college experience.  Future plans exist to develop additional support programs throughout the year.

The first BFET program began in 2005 and has since expanded steadily throughout the state’s community and technical college system. This is the first year Bates and Clover Park have been awarded the grant. Bates will receive $253,040 and Clover Park will receive $602,709 to fund the program.

About Bates Technical College
Celebrating more than 70 years, Bates Technical College offers certificate and degree opportunities in 53 career education programs, and serves approximately 3,000 career training students and 10,000 more community members annually in extended learning, distance learning, high school, and other programs. For more information, go to www.bates.ctc.edu, or call 253.680.7000.

About Clover Park Technical College:
Clover Park Technical College offers more than 50 career training degree and certificate programs in the areas of business, computer information and technology, health sciences, manufacturing, construction and trades, multimedia design, and personal care services. The college also offers certification, online and distance learning, as well as continuing education courses. For more information call 253.589.5800, or visit www.cptc.edu/careers

Washington Technical Schools and Community Colleges Awarded $1.58 Million for Aerospace Training

Aerospace Consortium for Employment
A collaboration of 11 Washington community and technical colleges

WASHINGTON: Thirteen Washington two-year colleges will share $1.58 million in Governor’s Investment in Aerospace (GIA) grants to develop fast turnover training in aerospace.
 

A mix of Gov. Christine Gregoire’s discretionary Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds and state aerospace training funds, the grants are designed to assist community and technical colleges throughout the state develop new training in aerospace industry-identified areas.
 

In response to the governor’s direction of the discretionary WIA funds and the grant RFP, community and technical colleges in Washington collaboratively formed the Aerospace Consortium for Employment (ACE). The consortium’s mission is to meet urgent workforce needs with short-term training programs in the areas of precision machining, machine maintenance, fiber optics and quality assurance/inspection. The consortium worked with The Boeing Company to identify areas of immediate need in the aerospace industry and identified two to six month training program opportunities to meet those needs.
 

ACE applied for and was awarded a GIA grant, which will be applied toward developing programs that retrain or enhance skilled aerospace workers in precision machining, machine maintenance, fiber optics and quality assurance/inspection. Fund allocation and usage vary between the schools. On a whole, the monies will go toward equipment purchase, additional faculty and program development.
 

Below is a listing of the ACE colleges and their portions of the grant:

• Bates Technical College (Tacoma) $91,229 
• Bellingham Technical College (Bellingham) $112,944 
• Columbia Basin College (Pasco) $111,232 
• Everett Community College (Everett) $114,466 
• Green River Community College (Auburn) $167,234 
• Lake Washington Institute of Technology (Kirkland) $172,431 
• Olympic College (Bremerton) $101,677 
• Shoreline Community College (Shoreline) $80,856 
• South Puget Sound Community College (Olympia) $53,188 
• South Seattle Community College (Seattle) $3,432 
• Yakima Valley Community College (Yakima) $38,600

Two additional colleges received GIA grants:

• Clover Park Technical College (Lakewood) $356,000 
• Spokane Community College (Spokane) $176,887 

Governor appoints new trustee to Clover Park Technical College

Lua Pritchard steps into new role, Shauna Weatherby thanked for her service

Lakewood, WA – Lua Pritchard is the newest trustee at Clover Park Technical College (CPTC), effective Monday, October 3. Pritchard serves in the position previously held by Shauna Weatherby, whose term expired on September 30, after nearly ten years of service.

The Clover Park Technical College Board of Trustees is comprised of five community college district residents who are appointed by the governor to a five-year term. The board sets policy for the institution and delegates administrative authority to the president of the college.

Ms. Pritchard is the Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC), she is the former Executive Director of the Korean Women’s Association, and has served as a member of the Governor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs.

“We are excited to have Lua Pritchard as a board member,” said Dr. Robert Lenigan, Chair of the CPTC Board of Trustees. “She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Board which will serve the College well.”

Shauna Weatherby has been an asset to the college for nearly a decade and has seen the college through many changes and challenges.

“Shauna Weatherby’s service to the College has been invaluable,” said Dr. John Walstrum, president of Clover Park Technical College. “Along with her fellow trustees, she has led us through some very difficult budget cuts and has been positive and professional – a joy to work alongside. She will be missed.”

Ms. Weatherby is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) and works in women's healthcare.  She is frequently asked to speak on women's health issues, and enjoys serving her community. 

Thursday, Oct. 6 - 1,200 8th Graders to attend, "Math to Careers Conference" @ Clover Park Technical College

6^th Annual “Math to Careers” conference reaches critical audience – 8^th graders

Thursday, October 6 - 1,200 13-14 year old Middle School Students to experience

hands-on math event at Clover Park Technical College

October 6, 2011 - Lakewood, WA – It’s titled, “Math is what you do” and for middle schoolers, math may be the deciding factor if they graduate from high school and go to college.

“Kids decide early,” said Janet Holm, outreach manager and math conference coordinator at Clover Park Technical College. “I visit more than 80 schools in our region and teens often tell me if they are college bound. Math gives them confidence. It is a big part of a student’s success in high school and beyond,” said Holm.

The event, on October 6, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., will draw 1,200 students from Clover Park, Eatonville, and Bethel School Districts. Students will participate in 36 real-world math workshops like the Puget Sound Energy Wildhorse Wind and Solar Facility, Sumo Robotics, and the City of Tacoma’s EnviroChallenger. Other participants include, The Home Depot, West Pierce Fire and Rescue, the Lakewood Police Department, Adriatic Grill, the Port of Tacoma, and more.

Using campus-wide workshops, hands-on exercises, face-to-face interactions, and small group activities, Clover Park instructors and community and business partners will showcase how math skills are vital to a successful career.

High school career counselors will be on site to meet with 8^th graders and talk about the transition from middle school to high school. Students will have a chance to meet with traditional high school counselors while exploring non-traditional options such as the Lakewood Career Academy, Pierce County Skills Center, and Northwest Career and Technical High School.

“The goal is for students to understand there are many options for high school and dropping out is not one of them,” said Holm.

Nationally acclaimed speaker Dr. Arthur Benjamin, “The Human Calculator,” will inspire and entertain students during an amazing, “Mental Calculation” presentation. Dr. Benjamin will demonstrate and explain his secrets for performing rapid mental calculations faster than a calculator. Kicking off the event will be a math rap video titled, “Math is What You Do” geared for the younger audience, produced by Zach Holm, graduate of Emerald Ridge High School who now attends WSU.

The video is available on YouTube in QuickTime, AVI and/or MP3 formats.  Great photo opportunities exist as students will be participating in hands-on projects.  To arrange interviews or photos, please call Shawn Jennison, 253-820-5904.

CPTC Student Took Part in 2011 Global Intern Exchange Program

CPTC Professional Pilot Program student Gabriel Bond was selected as one of three Pacific Northwest participants in the 2011 Global Intern Exchange Program (GIEP) that took him to England for three weeks this past summer.

 

He took part in a one-of-a-kind overseas project, thanks to his nomination by Instructors Bill Coyner and Marshall Collins. When the instructors received word about an intern exchange program, they encouraged this star pupil (Bond had a 4.0 GPA during spring quarter while he took 22 credits) to apply for the honor of representing their program and Clover Park Technical College overseas, confident that he would be an admirable ambassador.

“Any organization having Mr. Bond as a member is going to benefit,” said Bill Coyner.

Bond said he wrote his personal statement as if it were a speech in Dr. Phil Venditti’s class. And, in fact, he now views the job interview practice in his speech class as a dress rehearsal – though he had little idea at the time it would be as helpful in making a good impression as it was.

“Some of my statement touched on my military background and the leadership skills I was able to develop, especially in Iraq.” Bond was in the reserves for six years and also was deployed to Iraq for 15 months.

Ironically, one of the questions on the application for the GIEP was whether the applicant had any fears about traveling. “After a 28-hour flight to Iraq, that’s hardly an issue,” Bond said.

Interestingly, Bond said he flew to Everett for his interview. He explained, “One of our instructors recently got her FAA examiner certification. She used to work in Everett and so gave me the name of a former colleague and a couple business cards. So I taxied over, tied everything down, walked into the building and made a bee-line to this person. After a short conversation, I mentioned that I was actually there to talk to people at the Future of Flight Foundation across the air field. I asked if he thought I should take my plane out and taxi over there. He said I shouldn’t do that, because of all the museum planes – then he threw me the keys to his Mercedes!”

Sponsors of the Global Intern Exchange Program are the Future of Flight Foundation (Everett), the Royal Air Force Museum (of Great Britain), and the Aerospace & Electronic Systems Society (AESS). Three individuals from the Pacific Northwest were transported and placed with host families in England June 21-July 7. At the same time, three British students were brought to the U.S.

So what did two other students and Gabriel Bond do in England for three weeks? They were involved in restoring a plane from the 1900’s using the methods of the 1900’s. The training was focused on handed-down skills used on a particular type of airframe system of that era, obsolete in today’s aircraft repair and restoration. Bond says the work was rather repetitive, kind of like the Karate Kid – wax on, wax off. When the restoration is complete, the plane will be fully functional and put on display at the Royal Air Force Museum. On the weekends, they enjoyed the cultural offerings and outings arranged by their host families.

And the British students who are coming to America? They were trained at the Future of Flight facility in Everett to work with carbon fiber, otherwise known as composites. At the end of three weeks, they took their knowledge about composite materials to make a snowboard. As a snowboarder, Bond says he can see the attraction for the Brits.

The Global Intern Exchange Program is open to applicants every spring. It’s an opportunity that few students know about, but should. Bond encouraged others to apply, saying if they are chosen, it’s a unique opportunity and everything is paid for. A small stipend is also provided.

Dianne Bunnell

Clover Park Technical College
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Edited by Shawn Jennison

Clover Park Technical College

Boeing training program takes off

Q13 Fox News report on Clover Park Technical College's Aerospace Composite Technician program. http://www.myfoxspokane.com/news/kcpq-boeing-training-program-takes-off-20110912,0,6480114.story

Pierce County two-year colleges awarded military friendly school title from G.I. Jobs

G.I. Jobs, the premier magazine for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, has awarded Clover Park Technical College, Pierce College District, and Tacoma Community College the designation of Military Friendly School. The 2012 Military Friendly Schools list honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members and veterans as students. 

In its effort to help student veterans find the right school, G.I. Jobs incorporated a survey of student veterans for the first time. This feedback provides prospective military students with insight into the student veteran experience at a particular institution based on peer reviews from current students.  Student veteran survey feedback can be viewed at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com/2012 list. Michael Dakduk, Executive Director for the Student Veterans of America agrees.  “The Military Friendly Schools list is the go-to resource for prospective student veterans searching for schools that provide the right overall experience.  Nothing is more compelling than actual feedback from current student veterans.”

Service members and veterans can also meet individual student veterans from the various schools virtually on the site to learn more about personal school decisions and the transition from the military to an academic environment.

The 1,518 colleges, universities and trade schools on this year’s list prioritize the recruitment of students with military experience.  These schools are making the grade by offering scholarships and discounts, veterans’ clubs, full-time staff, military credit and other services to those who served. The 2012 list of Military Friendly Schools ® was compiled through extensive research and a data driven survey of more than 8,000 schools nationwide. Methodology, criteria and weighting for the list were developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board (AAB) consisting of educators from schools across the country.  A full list of board members can be found at http://militaryfriendlyschools.com/Article/advisory-board/.


“A full story and detailed list of Military Friendly Schools ® will be highlighted in the annual Guide to Military Friendly Schools and on a poster, both of which will be distributed to hundreds of thousands of active and former military personnel in early October. The newly redesigned website, found at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com, features the list, interactive tools and search functionality to assist military veterans with their school decisions.


ABOUT G.I. Jobs
G.I. Jobs (www.gijobs.com) is published by Victory Media, a veteran-owned business which also publishes The Guide to Military Friendly Schools, Military Spouse and Vetrepreneur magazines and annually rates the nation’s “Military Friendly Employers,” “Military Spouse Friendly Employers” and “Best Corporations for Veteran-Owned Businesses.