Whatcom County's four institutions of higher education are honored to jointly announce that each school has received a $100,000 grant for scholarships from the Mount Baker Foundation.
The four recipient schools are Bellingham Technical College, Northwest Indian College, Western Washington University, and Whatcom Community College.
The Mount Baker Foundation Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarships will be awarded to students who are members of communities that are historically underrepresented within higher education and/or within their area of study, including but not limited to students who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color; or have overcome obstacles such as socioeconomic or educational disadvantage or disabilities, or who are the first generation in their family to attend college.
The combined investment in local students totals $400,000 and was spearheaded by the Mount Baker Foundation’s Equity & Health Determinants Committee, which is dedicated to addressing issues of poverty, homelessness, and lack of education, focusing on diverse communities and neighborhoods. The mission of Mount Baker Foundation is to identify and fund catalytic, transformative initiatives that result in sustainable change.
“Education is transformational,” said Dr. Ken Gass, retired pediatrician and president of the Mount Baker Foundation Board of Directors. “Mount Baker Foundation is seeking ways to mitigate racial inequalities and help under-served people and communities as they wish to be supported. We look forward to continuing conversations throughout Whatcom County and building trust through collaboration and support.”
“This scholarship will make a tangible difference in the lives of our BIPOC students for many generations to come. The BTC Foundation Board of Directors, college staff, and students are grateful for this transformational partnership with the Mt. Baker Foundation,” said BTC Foundation President Mike Burke.
“Northwest Indian College Foundation is honored to receive support and partner with Mt. Baker Foundation. In the spirit of Lengesot, this is how we take care of ourselves and we take care of each other. Hy’shqe’ Siam Ne’ Schelacha Siam (Thank you highly respected friends and family),” said Candice Wilson, Northwest Indian College Foundation board member.
“We are pleased to partner with the Mount Baker Foundation to achieve our shared commitment to access, equity, inclusion, and social justice. These scholarships will have a powerful impact in the lives of students and play a crucial role in their ability to pursue their educational hopes and dreams,” said Kim O’Neill, WWU vice president for University Advancement, president and CEO of the WWU Foundation.
“Every year we hear directly from students who describe the profound impact receiving a scholarship makes in reducing financial stress, and subsequently allowing them to give priority to their studies. Scholarships inspire WCC students to focus on their education and future workforce aspirations, knowing there is a community invested in their success. We are honored to partner with the Mount Baker Foundation to create opportunities, as WCC students realize their higher ed dreams and participate as active citizens in a global society,” said Eva Schulte, executive director for Whatcom Community College Foundation.
About WCC: Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, WA is regularly recognized as one of the top community colleges in the nation for student outcomes. The College, a destination for cybersecurity, healthcare and business studies, offers two bachelor of applied science degrees, transfer degrees, career and workforce preparation, online courses, and community education classes. New high school graduates, laid-off workers, seasoned employees, future university students — all students count on WCC to support their academic and career goals. For more information, visit www.whatcom.edu
