March 13, 2026

Living the Mission

Cascadia’s mission has three pillars: Access, Equity, and Superior Educational Experiences. How we manifest those pillars comes in many forms, and today I want to highlight one of those, Career & College Foundations (CCF).

CCF is the umbrella term for educational programs that prepare students for college level coursework. This includes our Basic Education for Adults program, our High School Diploma program (i.e., HS+, GED prep, and ABE), and our English-language learning programs (i.e., English Foundations and ESL). The department is anchored by three full-time faculty, a large number of long-term part-time faculty, and a handful of staff. All of these folks are housed in either CC1-220 or in the Annex across from the Library…and when CC5 is finished we will situate them closer to the heart of the Cascadia buildings.

(By the way, I got word on Wednesday night that CC5 was funded. We will break ground in December.)

CCF employees inside the classroom and outside the classroom work diligently to serve our most vulnerable student population. During this time when our country is in such a tumultuous state, the foundation of education is hugely important in providing our students a sense of purpose, safety, and community. The work of the staff helps coordinate new-student intake, testing, and student support. Long before the Redmond Center existed, this small team worked to make sure students felt a part of our campus community. Cascadia offers daytime and evening classes at Bothell and evening classes at Redmond. As the Administrator on Duty a few weeks ago, I walked the halls between 6:00 PM and 8:45 PM and saw hundreds of students actively engaged and a vibrant community. Those students wouldn’t be here without the active support of our CCF employees.

These students are also moving past CCF into college-level classes at an increasing pace. This past academic year, 19 students finished our CCF programs and transitioned into college-level classes; two of our former CCF students started their Master’s degrees. And the Rosa Pielle Memorial Scholarship has helped fund 22 students taking college-level classes this academic year.

When we think about our mission of supporting “access” to higher education, CCF is the front door for many students. Having classes available in two locations has allowed for growth of the program but has certainly been a demanding task for the faculty and staff. Their work is appreciated. While we think of ourselves primarily as a “transfer institution,” it’s important to remember that we value meeting students at their starting point, no matter where that is, and being their guide to the educational goal. CCF is one of those starting points.

When we think about our mission of “equity,” we know that many vulnerable students across every demographic, especially historically marginalized demographics, need the opportunity to get started on the road to more education. CCF delivers on that. And it is especially important now.

CCF is as much a part of our mission as it is a representation of our values. I hope you’ll help me celebrate the employees who make this happen.

Shoutouts

From the IN Box:

Drops for non-payment were completed this week. Last week, staff started contacting the 1500 students who had not yet paid. As of today, only 88 students remain unpaid. A HUGE shoutout to Ozge & the Enrollment team for their communication, planning & outreach – including emails, texts, and a phone calling campaign.

AND

I'd like to shout out Brandy Long who helped drive students for a field trip to the state capitol. I couldn't have done the trip without her and am so grateful she was willing to go. Thank you Brandy!

Shoutouts can be sent to FLShoutout@cascadia.edu.