Federal Funding Updates
LATEST: June 5, 2025
Here are your Federal Funding Updates for June, 2025:
Skagit Valley College is deeply concerned by the abrupt federal decision to close the Job Corps program, displacing more than 250 residents with minimal notice. Among them are 24 SVC students, now facing serious disruption to their housing, education, and daily needs.
Since learning of the closure last Friday, the college has mobilized to respond. Our staff identified all impacted SVC students and began coordinating emergency housing through Campus View Village (on-campus housing) and local hotels, arranging transportation, and connecting students to emergency grant funding for basic needs. We are working closely with faculty to ensure academic flexibility so students can complete the quarter, whether remotely or through other accommodations.
Onsite support has been provided at Job Corps to assist with financial aid and summer enrollment planning. We are also in communication with state leaders, and legal advisors to explore broader support options and we appreciate Representative Larsen’s public statement acknowledging the impact of the closure and advocating for affected students. While the move-out deadline has now been extended to June 13, the situation remains deeply concerning.
Our thoughts are with all Job Corps residents during this challenging time, and we will continue to advocate for compassionate, student-centered solutions throughout this transition.
Please be assured we continue to be focused on the well-being of our campus community during this uncertain time. Any updates will be communicated via email and will also be available as time-stamped updates on this webpage.
March 5, 2025
In our college wide email Monday of this week, we referenced the “Dear Colleague” letter (DCL) sent by the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) division on Feb. 14, 2025.
Since then, the OCR issued a guidance document on Saturday, March 1, answering frequently asked questions that may have been raised in response to the DCL. In the OCR’s guidance, we received more clarification, and I’d like to share some details with you.
The guidance indicates:
- “Schools with programs focused on interests in particular cultures, heritages, and areas of the world would not in and of themselves violate Title VI, assuming they are open to all students regardless of race,”
- “Nor would educational, cultural, or historical observances – such as Black History Month, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, or similar events – that celebrate or recognize historical events and contributions, and promote awareness, so long as they do not engage in racial exclusion or discrimination,” and
- “A school cannot engage in any programming, graduation ceremonies, housing, or any other aspect of school life that allows one race but not another or otherwise separates students, faculty, or staff based on race.”
Thus, I have scheduled a President’s meeting next Monday, March 10 at 2:30 p.m. in Lewis Hall, room 311 in order to address any questions and concerns regarding the aforementioned guidance document. We will refer to this new guidance in our ongoing assessment of college programs, policies, procedures, and activities for compliance with existing federal and state laws. We continue to be in consultation with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and the Washington Attorney General’s Office on any new developments.
We will continue to do our best to keep the campus community informed and supported through timely updates. We will remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold our Guiding Principles, specifically focusing on Open and Honest Communication and Compassion and to prioritize the safety, rights, privacy, and educational access of our students.
March 3, 2025 | 12:07 p.m.
At the President’s Monthly Meetings recently, we discussed the “Dear Colleague” letter (DCL) sent by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) division on Feb. 14, 2025.
First and foremost, as acknowledged by the DCL, the letter “does not have the force
and effect of law and does not bind the public or create new legal standards.” Rather,
the DCL is a statement of how the OCR is interpreting laws under the new administration.
It is important to note that Washington law already prohibits discrimination or preferential
treatment on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public
education hiring and admissions. Similarly, federal anti-discrimination laws have
also long governed SVC’s operations.
As stated in our mission and vision statements, as well as our newly adopted Strategic Plan, SVC is dedicated to the success of all students and provides opportunities to students
regardless of background. SVC welcomes students from all backgrounds and does not
discriminate; learn more on our Nondiscrimination Statement page. SVC will continue to assess the college’s programs, policies, procedures, and activities
for compliance with existing federal and state laws.
We will also continue to seek guidance from our resources, such as the Washington
State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and the Office of the Governor. SVC
remains committed to promoting fairer workplaces, creating opportunities for all to
succeed, and fostering a campus environment where all members of the college feel
welcomed, respected, and valued.
Jan. 29, 2025 | 2:30 p.m.
- The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has rescinded the executive order that temporarily paused federal grants, loans and other financial assistance programs.
- We are confident that all programs and support services can continue operating as usual.
Jan. 28, 2025 | 3:30 p.m.
I am reaching out to inform you about the recent Executive Order from the White House Office of Management and Budget that has put a pause on federal grants and loans. You can read the complete order if you would like more details. We have also just been made aware that a federal judge has issued a temporary administrative stay of the Trump administration’s freeze setting a hearing on Monday, Feb. 3. The stay applies only to “open awards” already granted by the federal government by at least 5 p.m. EST Monday.
As of today, January 28, 2025, here are the key updates you need to be aware of:
- Student loans and Pell grants are exempt from the federal funding pause, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Education.
- All winter quarter financial aid have already been disbursed to students.
- Our programs and support services are currently operating without disruptions.
We understand that there may be additional questions and concerns as a result of this directive. We continue to actively seek guidance and clarity from the Washington’s State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Office of the Governor.
We are committed to keeping the campus community informed and supported through timely updates. We will:
- Provide updates in a time-stamped format on this website and through email to All District faculty, staff, and students.
- Remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold our Guiding Principles, especially focusing on Open and Honest Communication and Compassion.
- Continue to prioritize the safety, rights, privacy, and educational access of our students.
Please be assured we remain committed to the well-being of our campus community during this uncertain time.