YVC continues to be a leader among Washington state community colleges in ofering research opportunities to undergraduate students. Since 2012 YVC has collaborated with area 4-year institutions and community partners to help nearly 200 students participate in hands-on projects. “Undergraduate research is an immersion in science. It can have days of toil and repetition, then suddenly you are in the thrill of gathering knowledge. What was hidden becomes recognized,” stated Biology STEM student conducts undergraduate research. Instructor and STEM Grant Director Matthew Loeser. During the 2019-2020 academic year, 25 YVC students participated in research projects. Of these 48% were women and 64% were underrepresented minorities — two groups that are typically underrepresented in STEM professions. Student researchers also have experienced an 83-100% success rate, as measured annually by those who continue their studies, graduate from YVC or transfer to another institution. This spring YVC was excited to learn that three STEM students have been selected as scholars in the Summer Health Profession Education Program (SHPEP), a national program that aims to increase diversity in health professions and thereby improve access to quality health care. Students Eddie Juarez, Cassandra Cruz and Eliezer Alcazar will participate in the 6-week enrichment program hosted by the University of Washington. The program begins on June 21 and runs through July 30, 2021. Each student earns a $600 stipend distributed in two installments. Students also receive a $400 food supplement.
UB alumni advocate for TRIO programs
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Upward Bound (UB) alumni Esther Estrada and Karla Villanueva recently attended the Council for Opportunity in Education Conference hosted by the Washington State TRIO Association. Both students were selected to advocate for TRIO programs on behalf of Washington State. The students connected with state legislators about initiatives that directly afect TRIO programs and shared how YVC's TRIO Student Support Services program infuenced their lives. Karla Villaneuva during COE conference. “TRIO, and the YVC UB program in particular, have had an immense impact on my life,” stated Villanueva. “Throughout high school, UB provided me key academic and socio-emotional support, fnancial and material resources, and a strong, caring community. Without UB’s endless hours of support throughout the college and scholarship application process, I would not have applied to Stanford University, nor would I have been a prime candidate for the university.” Speaking at the conference was gratifying for Villanueva, as she was able to speak to the immense impact of TRIO programs across the state, especially during the pandemic when that support has been crucial for frst-generation and low-income students.
Choir gives students opportunity for innovative recording YVC’s choir program, under the leadership of Music Instructor Steven Slusher, is continuing to provide innovative opportunities for students to perform despite challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. This spring, the group created a virtual performance of the song “Home,” the debut single from American Idol season 11 winner Phillip Phillips. "While continuing to be almost entirely online, I've had to fnd innovative ways to keep my program and students making music. Having had to do an Steven Slusher and student work on recording for all-online video last spring, outside video this past fall, green screen was the YVC's rendition of "Home." next logical step in their education. Music videos and commercials are a viable career path that has been a blast to explore," stated Slusher. Through the use of vocal recording studios and green screen video recordings YVC produced a virtual performance which is available on YVC's YouTube channel. Spring 2021 10
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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Yakima Valley College provides opportunities in STEM
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