Area Report for Board of Trustees

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

• In March we reported that we had partnered with STEM/Tech Faculty on a special Spring Scholarship opportunity supported by an additional major scholarship gift from a private donor. In April we can report that $33,181 was awarded through this process, in addition to $40,000 awarded to 48 students through the Foundation Emergency Tuition Award. Foundation annual scholarship application is now open and application deadline is early May. 
• Grants Team is currently involved in 10 grants, either submitted and waiting for response or in development stage to submit. Highlights grants for TRIO, from National Science Foundation, CFP to Congressional Office and CDS to Senate Office, and SBCTC Workforce Grant. 

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

• IA attended and supported Nursing Pinning Ceremony (Sharon Vail spoke) on 3/18.
• Social Media team showcased Engineering Students
• Social Media team celebrated students completing Winter Quarter  
• In collaboration with CE, SBDC/StartZone launched Entrepreneurship Launchpad, with significant support funds from a private foundation held by HC Foundation. 

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

• IA working closely with SBDC and Center for Global Business Ed (formerly Center of Excellence for Global Trade and Supply Chain) to write and submit proposals to various funding agencies, public and private to sustain and expand work under the umbrella of HC Business Development Center. 
• Attended Port of Seattle-State of the Port event on 3/12, Communities in Schools- Kent and Federal Way breakfast on 3/13, ribbon cutting for Mercy Housing/Open Doors for Multicultural Families Multicultural Village project at KDM on 3/18, Attended and supported Des Moines Chamber Celebration of Women’s Leaders on 3/18,  Seattle Southside Small Business Forum at the SEA with SBDC/StartZone on 3/28, State of the City- Kent on 3/19, and Federal Way Chamber on 4/2. 
• VPIA emceed Kent Rotary Auction on 3/21, represented Highline through comments from the podium and networking with attendees. 
• Hosted campus visits from Senator Murray staff, KC Councilmember Fain staff and Federal Way Economic Dev Manager.  
• HC sponsored Federal Way STEAM Exploration Night on 3/26. 

Core Theme 4: CULTURE & CAPACITY, Become an anti-racist college through intentional development of employees, facilities, and systems that support student success and close equity gaps

• Several IA members participated in FBI Active Shooter training on 3/28

Division Honors and Achievements
Nominations are still open for Highline College Distinguished Alumni Award

Report submitted by Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Joshua Gerstman