Area Report for Board of Trustees

The February IA Report includes highlights from the ACCT NLS in Washington DC, local legislative engagement, promoting Highline College and student achievements via social media, honoring HC Foundation Scholarship Recipients and Supporters, and planning for 2024-25 community engagement and the 11/2/2024 version of Thunderbirds Soar- a Foundational Experience.

Core Theme 1: ACCESS, Reduce Barriers and close equity gaps to access for all community members

• Shakira Ericksen worked with members of the Board of Trustees to support recent participation in the ACCT National Legislative Summit in Washington DC. The team had a chance to meet in person as part of group meetings with Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, Representatives Pramila Jayapal and Adam Smith, as well as Congressional staff and federal program staff. They discussed the recent changes to the FAFSA and that there are current issues in assuring funding gets approved and delivered in a timely manner and that members of most vulnerable populations cannot afford to lose out on funds. In addition, the team discussed the importance of continued legal protections for DACA students. Both of these issues, if not addressed leave barriers in place and create equity gaps for students.
• On February 15, HC Foundation hosted the Connell Family and invited the 51 students who have received assistance from the Connell’s significant scholarship gift for the 2023-24 academic year, to a social in B2. This was a chance to introduce and celebrate both students present and ones who sent their regards, and to meet and thank members of the Connell family.

Core Theme 3: COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, Create a more inclusive working environment and a more valued, visible relationship with communities we serve

• IA reps have been working with local chambers of commerce (Seattle Southside and Greater Federal Way) to map out Highline’s partnership commitments and opportunities to engage the business community throughout 2024-25.
• IA reps participated in the development and implementation of an interagency collaborative agreement with the Highline Heritage Museum, along with Highline Public Schools and the Cities of Burien, Normandy Park and Seatac. The vision is for this agreement to lead to joint programming on campus, around the community and at the museum.
• SBDC/StartZone got Highline College some additional publicity by organizing a group to be at Hotpot World Rotary in Federal Way while Evening Magazine filmed their February 1 show onsite. The restaurant is a StartZone Client. The HC Group wore Highline branded clothing, which was visible several times during the episode.
• Government Relations provided support and guidance to student leaders who attended SBCTC Hill Climb Day in Olympia on January 25, 2024 and provided support to the 33^rd District Legislators for a town hall hosted in B8 on Saturday, February 17, 2024.

Core Theme 4: CULTURE & CAPACITY: Promote a campus culture which fosters equity and inclusivity supporting employee growth and development, and institutional capacity for transformation

• 2 IA team members (Ashley Kerr and Sharon Vail) are attending the NW Equity Conference as part of a larger Highline Contingent from 2/21-2/23/24.

Division Honors and Achievements

• HC Foundation is pleased to announce the 2024 version of Thunderbirds Soar will be in Building 8 on November 2, 2024. Mark your calendars and spread the word.