11 GRANT NEWS
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New grants advance economic mobility for YVC students Over the next fve years, hundreds of Yakima Valley College students will beneft from three federal grants intended to advance economic mobility for populations historically under-served by higher education. Totaling nearly $7 million, the grants will support learning opportunities and support services for frst-generation, low-income and other disadvantaged students.
UDEAL Grant Over the next fve years, a $3 million Hispanic-Serving Institution grant will help build classes and structures that beneft YVC students by strengthening pathways to economic opportunity. The project, “Universal Design for Equity and Accountability in Learning” or UDEAL, will focus on enhancements to the college’s learning environment that enable students to be more successful in their academic work and life beyond college. The project will draw from principles of universal design — which aim to make environments accessible to all people, regardless of age, disability or other factors — to Lead Cashier Nina Stewart helps a student center the needs of systemically disadvantaged learners in teaching and learning, assessment of student learning and online learning. Extensive professional development will be provided to YVC faculty and staf to support implementation of universal design (UD) in courses and support programs. “If faculty and student services personnel proactively plan instruction and services to be inclusive of all learners, student learning and achievement will improve, leading to greater persistence to degree completion for all students,” said Project Director Maribel Torres Jiménez. Other enhancements include: a simulation lab UDEAL Project Director Maribel Torres Jiménez advises a student for students in the business management, business technology and information technology programs complete with real world experiences and additional internship opportunities; integration of fnancial literacy education and resources in coursework, academic advising and student services to enhance the student experience; and additional faculty to support YVC’s applied bachelor programs. Torres Jiménez said UDEAL will support faculty in building relationships with more businesses and government and non-proft agencies where students can gain professional experience through internships. “Here in the Yakima Valley, we have a signifcant TRIO Director Dustin Shattuck meets with a student opportunity to support the economic mobility we want our students to experience,” Torres Jiménez said. “If we can provide more internship opportunities for our students right here in the Yakima Valley, it will enable them to stay local and give back to our community.” For more information contact Maribel Torres Jiménez at 509.574.4965. Read the full story online.
5 Yakima Valley College
