Area Report for Board of Trustees

Key highlights of this period include the Third Annual Thunderbirds Soar on 11/22/25 which drew 240 people and grossed more than $100,000 in contributions. Additional highlights include the opening of FWLE and Kent Des Moines Station on 12/6/25.

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

• IA has been deeply involved in the planning and events around the FWLE and Kent Des Moines Station Opening, including providing support for an excellent front page article in the Seattle Times, connecting ST and Transportation Choices with conference services for 12/3 Preview Ride Reception and 12/6 KDM Station Opening.
• Communications and Marketing has launched new sites for Math, English, Human Services and Placement . Sites for Accounting, Business, Nursing and Respiratory Care are in progress. Testing site has now been reorganized.

Core Theme 2: STUDENT LEARNING, Increase educational success, collaborate to improve

• Grants team submitted a proposal and received commitment from a private foundation for $107,000 in support for STEM programs, ACHIEVE Internship Support and Emergency Assistance for students in Health Care Programs (Nursing, Respiratory Therapy and Medical Assistant); provided support for NSF IUSE proposal by securing 5 letters of support from participating colleges.
• Government Relations provided key support for the annual ASHC Student Legislative Breakfast on 12/3/2025.

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

• IA staff attended, volunteered at and led a variety of community events, including Highline Schools Foundation, CCS Fundraiser for Katherine and Rita’s House, Para Los Ninos Gala, Greater Federal Way Chamber Gala, and Seattle Southside Chamber Public Officials Reception.
• Attended Seattle Southside Chamber Board Retreat (11/18) and Highline Forum (11/19)
• Attended King County Basic Needs Coalition Meeting on 11/7 along with 5 other CTCs and UWKC to work on plans for sustaining basic needs support.
• HC Foundation provided significant support for the Highline Pantry and Student Support Services for 4 weekly community dinners (more than 800 attendees), distribution of more than 600 produce boxes throughout November, and direct support for Des Moines Area Food Bank and Emergency Feeding Program.
• Government Relations helped host a federal grants workshop presented by Congressman Adam Smith’s Office on 11/20/25.

Division Honors and Achievements

• Special thanks and recognition to Sharon Vail and Foundation team for their leadership and organization for a successful Thunderbirds Soar on 11/22/25.
  • Special thanks to Drew DeSollar, Motion Graphics Specialist, for producing the feature video focusing on 4 students and their Highline Stories that was shown at Thunderbirds Soar.

Report submitted by Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Joshua Gerstman