Achieving The Dream at Skagit Valley College

Active in Achieving the Dream, Summer 2011 -  Present

Who we are

Skagit Valley College (SVC) was founded in 1926 and continues to remain committed to   providing quality education and support to all learners, regardless of   racial or ethnic background or income level. The college serves those in   Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties in northwest Washington state.

SVC recognizes that equity   arises from student need – 30% of its students are first-generation   college students and approximately 40% receive need-based financial aid.   Although only 9% of SVC's 5,700 students are Hispanic, Skagit County's   two largest high schools have Hispanic student populations totaling   close to 50%. Another student need is college-level preparation. Of   those students required to take assessment tests, 50% score below   college-level English and 95% score below college-level math. Of all SVC   students, 20% have not graduated from high school or completed their   GED and 12% are enrolled in ESL or IBEST pathways. Based on these   disparities, SVC plans to do more to provide equitable access and   support for students.

What we hope to accomplish

As an Achieving the Dream   Institution, Skagit Valley College will bolster its efforts to help   students succeed in completing their degrees and programs. This being a   high priority, SVC is particularly interested in serving those who lack   high school credentials, do not possess English language or literacy   skills, are first-generation college students, are underprepared,   economically disadvantaged, or suffer disadvantages through   discrimination against race, ethnicity, creed, sexual orientation, or   disability.

Currently, SVC's Champions   of Diversity (scholarships for low-income students), TRiO (student   support services), and Basic Skills programs are examples of how SVC is   striving to achieve its vision for disadvantaged and underprepared   students. In order for the college to accomplish student equity across   all racial, ethnic, and income groups, Achieving the Dream Coaches and   Data Coaches will be a core resource to help guide decision-making and   reforms by assisting in:

 
• Coordinating student success efforts across different college departments
 
• Effectively using data to identify and prioritize barriers to student success
 
• Broadening efforts to help more students who may be struggling academically