As the greater Yakima Valley and country at-large recover from the fallout of COVID-19, Yakima Valley College is participating in “Moving Ahead with Adult Ed,” a national campaign to raise awareness of adult education as an essential economic catalyst. “Millions of Americans are out of work or underemployed and need to reskill or upskill to re-enter the workforce or pursue their education,” said Marc Coomer, dean of College & Career Readiness. “Adult education A former adult education student in class provides on-ramps to not only get people back into the workforce but get them into better jobs than they had before the pandemic.” The #MovingAheadWithAdultEd campaign focuses on re-engaging the millions of Americans who are in need of additional skills to compete in the workforce and obtain jobs with family-sustaining wages. In addition to providing industry skills training, YVC’s adult education programs teach literacy, numeracy and digital literacy, as well as ofer high school equivalency classes. Know someone who could beneft from adult education? Learn more about YVC's Adult Education courses online, call 509.574.6860 or email ccr@yvcc.edu.
YVC's Choir releases second video concert YVC Choral Director Steven Slusher continues to provide opportunities for music students to engage and create despite the limitations of being in a virtual environment. For his latest project, Slusher transformed practice rooms in YVC’s Kendall Hall into individual recording studios. He then worked with the college’s director of occupational health and safety to develop a plan to bring choral students onto campus for individualized recording sessions, while maintaining physical distancing guidelines and meeting public safety requirements. YVC Choir members record a portion of their performance of “The Candle is a Symbol” on Nov. 30. “For the mental health of YVC students and community members who are signed up for community service credit, I had to provide an opportunity to belong to something musical this quarter,” stated Slusher. “We all need to exercise that portion of our brain during this rough time. Singing ‘together’ provides us with the feeling of peace, hope, love and joy! I hope our journey does the same for you! Happy Holidays!” The fnished product, “The Candle is a Symbol,” is available online. Click here to view the concert.
Virtual FAFSA/WASFA workshops held fall and winter quarters This fall and winter YVC is hosting virtual FAFSA/WASFA workshops to help students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). Each year, the U.S. Department of Education provides more than $150 billion in grants, loans and work-study funds to students in need. Sessions include volunteers who are available to help students and answer questions. Virtual breakout rooms are used to review personal information and all workshops are open to the community free of charge. “Given the remote environment we are all in, it’s important that we continue to engage students where they are,” stated Financial Aid Director Oscar Verduzco. “Financial planning for college, which includes completing the FAFSA or WASFA application, is a key part of succeeding with a college education. Completing these applications early helps students make an informed decision about where they will go to school as well as help secure limited resources. We support our community with these events so that applications are accurately completed regardless of where they plan to enroll.” Additional workshops will be held January 13 and 27 as well as February 10 and 24, 2021. Preregistration is required. Fall 2020 8
■
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
YVC joins national campaign to bolster economic recovery through adult education
11
