YVC Winter 2018 Campus Update by Yakima Valley College

YAKIMA VALLEY COLLEGE Campus Update, Winter 2018

Board of Trustees: Patrick Baldoz Sara Cate, M.D.

Letter from the President

Neil McClure

In this issue of the Campus Update, we

Rosalinda Mendoza Robert Ozuna

celebrate our international students. For

Produced by:

and universities have experienced

Jay Frank

significant decreases in the numbers of

Stefanie Menard

international students. In contrast, we

the past several years, many colleges

are enrolling more students from more

Contributing Photographers:

countries than we have seen in many

Jay Frank

years. International students bring many

Justin Hawkes

social and cultural benefits to our college.

Stefanie Menard

They enrich our learning environment and assist our native students in Published: March 2018 If you would like to be added or removed from our mailing list, please contact us: Yakima Valley College Community Relations PO Box 22520

developing internationally relevant skills; provide opportunities for native students to experience working with students from other countries, continents, and cultures; promote global awareness; and introduce students to languages other than English. We are pleased to inform you about some of our currently enrolled students. In January, our English department hosted the Washington State Poet Laureate, Claudia Castro Luna, and the former Poet Laureate, Tod Marshall.

Yakima, WA 98907-2520

Their visit was enlightening and inspiring as they led a poetry master class

communityrelations@yvcc.edu

with English Instructor Mark Fuzie and a panel discussion and reading

509.574.4646

with several local poets to address the blending of artistry and activism.

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Instagram www.instagram.com/yakimavalleycollege Yakima Valley College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, genetic information, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. All inquiries regarding compliance should be directed to the Director of Human Resource Services, YVC, South 16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima, WA 98902; or call 509.574.4670.

The Diversity Series Committee also scheduled a number of events to commemorate Black History month. Among them was an address by UC Berkeley Professor Michael Tuncap; a viewing of the documentary “The Color of Fear;” participation in the Yakima Peace March, and a “Day of Service.” Finally, you will read about the many accomplishments of our staff and students. One of these is our “Transforming Lives Award” nominee, Amanda Murphy. We hope you enjoy reading about our amazing staff and students in this issue of the Campus Update. As always, we thank you for your ongoing support of Yakima Valley College. Sincerely,

Linda Kaminski, Ed.D. President

Contents 3 4 5 6 7 9 10

Campus News Student Honors Student Activities Larson Gallery Program Highlights Athletics YVC’s People

Cover Photo: From top left to right: Melanio Calayeg-JR (Philippines); Mukobe Lukwesa (Zambia); Kevin Ishimwe (Rwanda); Siyuan Lin (China); Husain Zainal (Bahrain); Ramy Elshafey (Egypt); Jordan Wilson (Cayman Islands); Adebola Adegbola (Nigeria); and Christella Jean-Juste (Haiti). Read about how YVC is helping international students on page 7. On This Page: From to left to right: Pharmacy Technology Student Brittany Schoch with Instructor Amy Brown; YVC’s North Campus Commons; ASYVC hosts Guest Speaker Erin Jones; YVC’s 2018 Madrigal Feaste Singers Caleb Teichert, Samantha Gonzalez, Robert Swires, Linda Kaminski, and Brittany Winn.

CAMPUS NEWS

YVC Launches New Website

YVC unveiled its newly remodeled website during winter break. The site’s look, design, and functionality are the result of a yearlong effort engaging input on how to best improve the site’s performance. The changes to the public-facing web content were overseen by Web Content Coordinator Melodie Smith. “The site was using outdated, unstable technology, requiring a patchwork of fixes to keep A Screen Shot of YVC’s New Website it functioning,” Smith explained. “It was not keeping pace with the modern, mobile friendly browsing habits of our students. We now have a new look, new content, new functionality, new responsiveness, a new content management system, and new information architecture.” Meanwhile, YVC’s Technology Services Department executed an overhaul of the college’s online portals, ensuring they would integrate seamlessly with the re-launch. Although the site has changed, it maintains the same URL address and can still be found at www.yvcc.edu

Basic Skills Division Changes Name YVC’s Basic Skills Division has long served adults in our community seeking to increase basic proficiency in many areas, including life skills, work readiness, and communication in English. Now, the department will continue its mission under a new name: College & Career Readiness. “The name change was a faculty-led effort to change the connotations associated with Basic Skills,” stated College & Career Readiness Dean Marc Coomer. “College & Career Readiness is asset-based language as opposed to deficit-based. It puts emphasis on students’ potential and goals, instead of focusing on gaps in learning and the other challenges students face as a result of barriers.” In addition to the educational value the program offers, it also acts as a liaison between students and community entities such as business and industry, employment and training agencies, and other academic institutions.

Rodeo Drive Helps Students in Need

College & Career Readiness Instructor Alen Janisch identified a challenge shared by many of his students: they lacked the resources or savvy needed to dress appropriately for a job interview. Janisch launched a support program, accepting donations of quality workplace attire and offering the clothes (and his expertise) free of charge to YVC students. He named the program Rodeo Drive. A cover story in the Yakima Herald Republic this fall brought a flood of donations, including eight cases of brand new men’s shirts, with a retail value of approximately $9,000. “Donations have been College & Career Readiness Instructor Alen Janisch in YVC’s Rodeo Drive extremely generous,” Janisch said. “Students have been using the outfits for interviews and class presentations. Some are starting to wear the outfits to class to get used to a new professional feeling.” During winter quarter, Janisch reports Rodeo Drive “suited and booted” 122 YVC students (79 women, 43 men). 3 Yakima Valley College

STUDENT HONORS

Transforming Lives Award Each year the Washington State Association of College Trustees requests one nominee from each of the 34 community and technical colleges in Washington State for the Transforming Lives Award. YVC’s nominee is Amanda Murphy. Her unique story represents the influence YVC can have in shaping an individual’s ambitions. Murphy was born in Yakima, Washington and attended schools in the West Valley School District. During her junior year, she decided to enroll in YVC’s Running Start Program. Running Start provides students, like Amanda, the opportunity to complete college-level credits without the cost of tuition. Juniors and seniors can continue to attend high school while also taking courses at YVC. On-campus she has been able to help others as a peer tutor in YVC’s Tutoring Center, focusing on mathematics, chemistry, and statistics courses. Inspired by her Amanda Murphy grandmother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s, Murphy has set her sights on learning more about drug interactions and how they can help control and cure people’s pain. She will graduate this spring with her high school diploma and associate in science degree. She hopes to transfer to Washington State University and pursue a degree in chemistry. Ultimately, she would like to earn a PhD in pharmacology.

All-Washington Academic Team

YVC is proud to announce the selection of Rene Guevara and Antonio Valencia as members of the 2018 All-Washington Academic Team. The scholarship program recognizes students from all 34 community and technical colleges in Washington State for outstanding accomplishments. Rene Guevara was born in El Salvador. Following high school, he decided to migrate to the Yakima Valley. He began working in agriculture but knew he wanted to pursue something more. Knowing little English, he began looking for ways to continue his education. With the help of Mateo Arteaga with Central Washington University’s (CWU) High School Equivalency Program he enrolled in YVC’s GED courses. After earning his GED, he began attending college-level classes in the fall of 2014. He earned two degrees in the winter of 2017, an associate of applied science degree in information technology-general and an associate of applied science degree in information technology-network administration. He then transferred to CWU and began working towards a bachelor’s degree in cyber security. Antonio Valencia was born in Yakima, Washington and attended school in Selah. His next step brought him to YVC pursing a transfer degree in information technology. Assimilating to college life was a challenge for Valencia, but he found resources to help him succeed. “After high school I wasn’t prepared for what college courses would be like. I struggled with time management between work, homework, and my personal life. I like how YVC’s program is less formal, which provides more one-on-one time with instructors and fellow students. Additional resources on campus, such as the math, writing, and tutoring center have also been a big help to me,” he continued. Outside of the classroom, Valencia is active on campus as a member of the MESA and Engineering clubs, and he serves as Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He also maintains a part-time job and volunteers at his church. He plans to graduate in the spring of 2019, then transfer to Washington State University Tri-Cities and pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Rene Guevara

Antonio Valencia

Winter 2018 4

STUDENT ACTIVITIES During winter quarter YVC offered an assortment of activities with many of the events planned and coordinated with support from student clubs, the Associated Students of YVC (ASYVC), and the Grandview Student Council (GSC). Below is a sampling of some of the events held during winter quarter. For more information on upcoming activities visit: www.yvcc.edu/calendar

Winter Production

Naomi Rottman, Riley Hill, Cody Jordan, and Diana Heredia

YVC Playmasters recently held their production of These Shining Lives. Written by Melanie Marnich, the play is based on the real life story of the Radium Girls, whose court cases in the 1930’s helped lead reform of industrial practices. Alicia Bickley directed the production and the cast included Lindsay Soules, Barbie Wood, Brittany Winn, Erika Gutierrez, Joshua Cabrales, Eduardo Rodriguez, Cody Jordan, Hunter Bosley, Becca Fuchs, Grace Douglas, Naomi Rottman, Diana Heredia, Anastasija Dukic, Riley Hill, Monica Krauss Althaus, Ezra Rottman, Nevaeh Althaus, and Brielle Althaus.

MLK Week

Professor Michael Tuncap

YVC’s Diversity Series provided students with several opportunities to celebrate the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr (MLK) as part of their larger Black History Month celebration. Various student clubs and organizations participated in Yakima’s Peace March. Additional activities included a lecture by Professor Michael Tuncap, a spoken word event, a film showing of The Color of Fear, and a Day of Service, where students were encouraged to give back to their community in the spirit of Dr. King. “We recognize the importance of focusing on the accomplishments of Dr. King and especially his cause of social justice, which is still relevant today,” stated Counselor Maribel Jimenez.

Business Workshops

Student Lucas Northrup Listens to Presenter Jack Wrenn

Over winter quarter YVC’s Business Club, in partnership with Yakima Valley SCORE, presented a workshop series to help individuals get a jump-start on a new business. Workshop topics included business basics, defining your business concept, creating a marketing plan, financial projections, and funding sources. “The Yakima Valley SCORE counselors were thrilled to offer these workshops to the YVC campus community and the entrepreneurs of the Yakima Valley,” stated Economics Instructor Dr. Brock Eubanks.

Poets Laureate

Washington State Poet Laureate Claudia Castro Luna 5 Yakima Valley College

YVC’s English Department recently hosted Washington State Poets Laureate Claudia Castro Luna and Tod Marshall for events on the Yakima Campus. The two celebrated poets shared the stage during an “Aloha” passing of the guard, with Marshall departing and Castro Luna coming in as Washington’s new Poet Laureate. Additional events included a master class, reception, and a panel discussion and reading with other activist poets.

LARSON GALLERY

Pink Encounter

Indelible (P)ink: The Pink Panther and Popular Culture The Pink Panther cartoon was the subject of a recent exhibition at the Larson Gallery titled Indelible (P)ink: The Pink Panther and Popular Culture. The exhibition featured 44 original animation cells, production sketches and other ephemera, including a Mancini soundtrack album and period toys. The movie “The Pink Panther” introduced the character in 1963. The movie, starring Peter Sellers as the bumbling Inspector Clouseau, is focused on the inspector catching the thief of a legendary diamond called the Pink Panther. The cartoon character, created by Friz Freleng, went on to captivate audiences in nearly 140 cartoon shorts, played before theatrical features and later broadcast on NBC. The exhibit was organized and circulated by the Daura Gallery of Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Virginia. The artifacts in this exhibition are in their permanent collection. The opening of the exhibit brought a celebration with guests wearing pink, enjoying a performance by the YVC Cadences, led by instructor Steven Slusher, and instrumental music by Jeff Norwood featuring saxophonist Alan Rushing. This exhibit was chosen, in part, because it fit well with the focus on popular culture included in the winter quarter curriculum in some classes at YVC.

4th Grade Stories

In the Larson Gallery’s new exhibit, Fourth Grade Stories, fourth graders from around the world answer three questions: Whom do you live with? What do you wish for? What do you worry about? Judy Gelles began the Fourth Grade Project in 2008 from a prototype born during her volunteer work in inner-city Philadelphia. Over the past ten years, she has interviewed and photographed over 300 fourth grade students from the USA, China, England, India, Israel, Italy, Nicaragua, St. Lucia, South Africa, and South Korea. Told in their own words, their stories touch on common human experiences and urgent social issues. Fourth grade is often a turning point in children’s lives. Nine-year-old children are on the cusp of adolescence. They are able to think critically and consider relationships very important. They are socially conscious, interested in helping others, and openly curious about the world. It is also a moment in children’s development when worldviews start to become entrenched and paths for the future start to become more set. Larson Gallery Director David Lynx met Judy Gelles in the fall of 2016. USA Washington: Public School When he learned of her project, Lynx invited her to show her work in the Gallery. This exhibit is an opportunity to show how students in the Yakima Valley are connected to the outside world, emphasizing both differences and the many similarities that are shared with other cultures. This show has been made possible through the generosity of the Fresh Hop Group. The exhibit runs March 10 – April 14, 2018. Winter 2018 6

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

International Students Choose YVC

In January, the YVC International Student Program hosted a reception to introduce itself to the YVC Foundation Board and the greater campus community. YVC currently hosts 17 international students in a program that has seen steady growth over the last several years. Students currently on campus hail from 12 different countries including South Korea, Canada, Philippines, China, Bahrain, Zambia, Rwanda, Nigeria, Italy, Haiti, Egypt, and the Cayman Islands. The reception featured video testimonials from many of the international students studying at YVC. It also provided International Student Husain Zainal (Bahrain) visits with fellow students Christella Jean-Juste (Haiti), and the perfect opportunity for participants to meet and visit with Mukobe Lukwesa (Zambia). students from various countries. One of those international students is Husain Zainal, who came to study in the US from his home country of Bahrain. Starting out in Tennessee, he was later drawn to the Yakima Valley after speaking with his cousin and learning more about YVC’s program. Zainal has enjoyed his experience so far and enjoys the benefits that studying at a smaller college brings. “The college is small, where the professors know you very well compared to universities,” stated Zainal. “I also like that Yakima is a small quiet city. It is better for my education, which allows me to focus more on my studies,” he continued. After completing his degree at YVC, Zainal plans to transfer to Central Washington University and pursue a bachelor’s degree before returning home. “International students share their cultures, languages, traditions, and religions with other students, staff, and faculty. Students at YVC may never have the opportunity to leave and visit other countries abroad. However, having international students at YVC allows other students opportunities to learn, study, and interact with international students while getting a global perspective in and out of the classroom,” stated Director of Auxiliary Services Brady Mugleston.

Nursing Program Spotlight - Mosiah Wilson

YVC’s fully accredited Nursing Program offers an associate degree in nursing that prepares students for a rewarding career in the medical profession. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the licensure exam to become a Registered Nurse. One student who has found success in YVC’s Nursing Program is Mosiah Wilson. Wilson was born in Jamaica. After being abandoned as a child, he and his siblings were left in the care of an orphanage. Mosiah was not able to attend school until he was 16 years old. After being involved in a horrific accident where he was hit by a truck, Wilson had a lengthy hospitalization, an experience that would change his life. During his stay in the hospital, he began to see the care that nurses provided to patients and became interested in the field. He was intrigued by the profession but instead pursued education in business and the culinary arts; for Wilson, the Jamaican cultural view that nursing was a woman’s profession kept Mosiah Wilson him from pursuing his true interest. After meeting the woman who would become his wife, he migrated to Washington State. He worked as a chef but never lost his interest in nursing as a career, and soon discovered in his newly adopted country that both male and female nurses were respected. Wilson made the leap, enrolling at Skagit Valley College to begin his prerequisite coursework. After completing his prerequisites he was accepted to YVC’s Nursing Program. Before Wilson started at YVC, he made the decision to undergo a surgical procedure on his jaw, to correct issues related to the injuries he suffered as a child. After struggling the first quarter, he was able to overcome this adversity and succeed academically. He credits some of his success to the YVC faculty. Wilson graduated with his associate of applied science degree as in nursing in March. He plans to return to Stanwood, where his wife and two young children live, and is applying for entry in a bachelor’s degree program. To learn more about YVC’s Nursing Program visit www.yvcc.edu/nursing 7 Yakima Valley College

Yakima Valley Vintners in Wray’s

Yakima Valley Vintners, the winemaking label of YVC’s Vineyard and Winery Technology program, captured eight medals in the 39th annual Tri-Cities Wine Festival this past fall, but the biggest prize may have come weeks later. Chris Brown, owner of Wray’s Marketfresh IGA on 56th and Summitview in Yakima, reached out to YVC after several customers inquired about the college’s winning vintages. Brown decided to place an order for $1,000 worth of Yakima Valley Vintners’ product, and was surprised by the response, saying, “Sales have been better than what I’d thought they’d be, Wray’s Marketfresh IGA Owner Chris Brown stands next to Yakima Valley Vintners new display in his store they’ve been steady. It feels great to support YVC and its students.” on 56th and Summitview. Brown has already made a second purchase of YVC wines to keep his shelves stocked. One of the most sought-after wines is the 2015 Intern Tempranillo, which the Tri-Cities Wine Festival honored with a gold medal.

Engineering Day for Kids

YVC’s Engineering Program, in partnership with the Yakima Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers, recently hosted a free Engineering Day for kids. The annual event, presented in conjunction with the national Engineer’s Week, provides children ages 4-11 hands-on activities that help explore the connections between math, science, and engineering. “This year’s event featured 22 different activities for the kids. This is the first year we had a line for every activity. A few of the activities new this year included cup of slime, volcano, snap circuits, straw Children at Engineering Day 2018 rockets, chemistry experiments and the makey makey banana bongo. The ‘cup of slime’ was the biggest hit,” stated Engineering Instructor Rajkumar Raj. This year’s event was another success with approximately 700 children participating and over 1,000 attending. YVC’s Engineering Program works to prepare students to tackle the challenges, problems and opportunities in the engineering field for the benefit of their communities. YVC’s Engineering Program offers three different associate of applied science degrees: aerospace machining technology, construction design technology, and civil engineering technology. In addition, three certificates in drafting, machining technology and CNC operator are offered. Learn more at www.yvcc.edu/engineering

Math Department Partners with Facility Operations on Research Project Students in Michal Ramos’ Math 075/085 class recently had the opportunity to engage in a unique research project. As part of her doctoral work, Ramos looked for ways to help recruit and retain students in the STEM pathway. Research suggests that the earlier students are given the experience to do undergraduate research, the more likely they are to pursue a STEM degree pathway. It was this theory Ramos wanted to see in action. The class began by brainstorming a variety of problems YVC students encounter on campus. The group settled on overuse of the ADA door buttons by individuals who do not require accommodation. With the help of Director of Facility Operations Jeff Wood, they collected data from six different doors on campus. To see if usage would decrease, they posted signage educating students about the purpose of those buttons. They found that most locations saw a decrease in improper use after signage was posted. The project laid the groundwork for Ramos’ accelerated Math 085/095 class to continue the research this winter. Taking it one step further, they measured temperature changes in an attempt to relate those changes to the frequent use of the ADA doors. “Students obtained valuable experience in collecting and analyzing data, designing an experiment, and interpreting the results,” stated Ramos. “In addition, the students were very invested in their efforts to help bring about a positive change on campus,” she continued. Winter 2018 8

ATHLETICS

Gamaun Boykin dribbles the ball against Blue Mountain CC.

Kamri Von Oelhoffen during tip-off against Big Bend CC.

Men’s Basketball

Women’s Basketball

The resurgence of Men’s Basketball at YVC continued this season with a trip to the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) championship tournament and an impressive record of 19 wins to just 11 losses, a 10-win improvement over last year’s campaign. “Not only was it a successful season, we excelled in all areas we identified as major areas of focus,” said Head Coach London Wilson. Those areas of focus included first excelling through a challenging off-season schedule and then building a style of offensive aggression, led by dynamic sophomore point guard Gamaun Boykin. Boykin’s 21.6 points per game average placed him seventh on the NWAC scoring list. The team dramatically improved its shooting numbers this season, placing among the top seven teams in the conference in field goal, three point, and free throw shooting percentage. Wilson views the program’s connection to the community as a key component of its future growth, saying, “We have developed a youth basketball league for the spring and summer. There is a solid support system of sponsors, coaches, and a fan base that will continue to grow. This is just the start.”

When Head Coach Adam Strom took over the women’s basketball program in 2016, he inherited a squad coming off a season with just 3 victories and 25 defeats. Now two years later, Strom has guided the team to consecutive winning seasons, with plans for many more. “This season we finished with a 15-13 record; however, we did not get the necessary wins during our Eastern Region play and therefore we missed the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) playoffs,” Strom explained. “This year’s team had a lot of individual talent, and each player improved throughout the season. A good number of the returning players, nearly all, have stated that they will return for their sophomore season. This alone is a very positive outlook for next year’s team, along with the potential of landing a few solid recruits.” The team was led by the consistent scoring of freshman guard Kamri Von Oelhoffen, whose 19.7 points per game were good enough for fourth place on the conference scoring list. Her back-court mate, sophomore Sequoia Wheeler, led the team in minutes played and was second in scoring at 16.4 points per game. Anchoring the defense was freshman center Kali Kruger, a West Valley native who led the team in rebounding and blocked shots.

Winter Season Brings Individual Success The NWAC All-Eastern Region First Team includes a pair of YVC standouts: sophomore Gamaun Boykin of the men’s team and freshman Kamri Von Oelhoffen of the women’s team. Boykin, who was also selected to compete in the 2018 NWAC Sophomore Men’s All-Star Game, shot over 45% from the three-point line for the season. His sharp-shooting was nearly matched by freshman Quentin Raynor, who shot 44% from the threepoint line and was named to the NWAC All-Eastern Region Second Team. Von Oelhoffen, a graduate of Richland High School, was among the conference leaders in scoring and steals, while shooting nearly 45% from the field for the season. Also receiving a post-season honor was sophomore guard Sequoia Wheeler, who was chosen to play in the 2018 NWAC Sophomore Women’s All-Star Game in Everett, Washington. 9 Yakima Valley College

PEOPLE

New Director of BAS-TE This winter YVC was pleased to welcome Mea Moore as the director of the bachelor of applied science in teacher education program. YVC’s teacher education program is an alternative route to certification to teach at the elementary level. The program welcomes its first cohort of students in fall of 2018. In her 18-year teaching career, Moore has taught internationally as well as in Mea Moore Washington State. She also served as an Elementary School Principal in Onalaska, Washington. She has held numerous leadership roles in Washington State’s educational system including that of project director for a U.S. Department of Education Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant at WSU, and as interim dean of the College of Education and Psychology at Heritage University. Moore recently served as the director of migrant and bilingual education at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). She holds a Washington State Teacher Certificate in K-12 English as a Second Language and 4-12 English, and a Washington State PK- 12 Administrator Credential. Additionally, she holds a master of arts degree in education from the School for International Training, Vermont. To learn more about YVC’s Teacher Education Program, please call (509) 834-4522, and select option 4. Part-time Veterinary Technology Instructor Nicole Papageorgiou and Veterinary Technology Instructor Dr. Susan Wedam had three proposals selected for presentation at the International Conference on Communication in Veterinary Medicine in Ontario, Canada. Wedam and Papageorgiou, along with a colleague from Washington State University, will offer a workshop, podium talk, and poster presentation. The YVC Jazz Band recently welcomed over 140 students from local high schools and middle schools to perform onstage in Kendall Hall Auditorium. Students received coaching from Vern Sielert from the University of Idaho and Jenny Kellogg from Eastern Washington University. The day also included a tour of the Yakima Campus, free lunch, and information about YVC’s Music Program. In addition, YVC Jazz Band was recently invited to perform with several other groups in the Heritage University Presidential Inauguration Jubilee held a the Seasons Performance Hall in March. Art Instructor Rachel Dorn recently wrote a blog post about her Art 202 students using a new 3D printer and the flipped class format. Check it out: http://racheldorn.blogspot.com/2018/03/student-projects-using-3dprinter.html

Beyond HB 1079 Conference Yakima Valley College recently had the opportunity to host the 6th Annual Beyond HB 1079 Conference. Beyond HB 1079 was founded in 2012 as a student leadership project at the University of Washington, and refers to the House Bill that passed in 2003 and signed into law by Governor Gary Locke on May 7, 2003. The law allows undocumented students who have lived in Washington State for three or more years to be considered residents for purposes of paying tuition fees at Washington colleges and universities. Today, the conference aims to support undocumented students, educators, and parents by bringing awareness, resources, and empowerment towards higher education in Washington State. The one-day conference consists of interactive workshops, panel, and group discussions. Conference materials allow participants to gain knowledge through expert presentations as well as being actively engaged in an open dialogue with students, parents, and educators. The conference held at YVC was a huge success, bringing over 250 people to campus. “Because YVC has the highest undocumented student population in the community and technical college system, it was beyond valuable and beneficial to bring this conference to our campus,” stated YVC Counselor Maribel Jimenez. “During the conference, the energy and passion for learning was palpable and inspiring. We look forward to hosting this conference at YVC again as an example of our relentless commitment to our undocumented students,” she continued.

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