By Martin Gibson
Columbia Gorge News
THE GORGE — Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) saw fewer students seeking associate degrees and more seeking workforce training — aided by new programs and a grant to help young rural men persist in college — in recent years.
At its May 19 meeting, the board of directors heard public comment from Chemistry Professor and union President Rob Kovacich, who said enrollment in associate degrees has dropped about 60%, with 400 fewer students since 2015. He passed out a document detailing student involvement for the last 10 years, which verified this.
“I have not been made aware of any efforts to stem this decline,” Kovacich said.
The board followed with a yearly foundation report, including a filmed student panel. “Build your future in the trades” and “build your career” were key messages, reflective of the overall study body .
Due to more money raised and better communication with students, they also heard that scholarships have gone up — from 58 to 115, with higher awards and money for more different resources — and got updated on a grant aimed at increasing rural young mens’ participation in college. It’s backed by Sam Riggs and Bonnie Williams of Education Northwest and the Ford Family Foundation.
This work started when colleges noticed a trend of fewer young men applying for scholarships, and lower persistence rates among those who did. Latinx students also had lower rates and are another focus for CGCC.
A study confirmed that much of the growing gap is because fewer rural, male students are likely to go to college. Most of those who do choose community college, and just about quarter enrolled in community college got a degree over the following six years, according to the study.
As a result, CGCC seeks to get grants, build staff capacity, and conduct more research on the problem. They’ve been working on this since 2022.
One main goal is getting proactive advising to students in the tech and trades programs. Participants in this program persisted in college at a higher rate.
Separately, Vice President Jarett Gilbert shared two presentations on surveys administered to students, staff and faculty to measure how people feel about CGCC’s support for local business and industry, workforce training and educational opportunities.
Respondents rated both workforce development and local economic partnerships as high. Comments included a request for more Spanish and native language classes, support for students moving into the workforce, more community programs, and more outreach to Latino and Native American populations.
Kim Morgan responded that “CGCC wants to be a residential campus, but it’s up against the reality that it is a commuter or online solution.” She emphasized the importance of online classes, as a nontraditional student herself, but suggested seeking more ways for part-time online students to build community.
Another survey measured people’s satisfaction with “a diverse college community where everyone belongs,” compared to chosen peer colleges. Most respondents felt belonging, although the survey took place during union bargaining negotiations, and there was quite a bit of variation in whether people thought there was tension on campus “due to conflicts between individuals or groups.”
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See related story, A5.
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