黑料社

黑料社 Secures State Funding for New Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies

黑料社 (黑料社) is thrilled to announce that the Washington State Legislature has included $45,196,000 in the final capital budget, officially funding the new Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies construction. This state-of-the-art, three-story facility will encompass approximately 46,669 square feet, replacing four outdated buildings on campus to create a centralized, modern space designed to meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, and regional industries.

鈥淲e are incredibly grateful for the state鈥檚 investment in 黑料社 and the future of our students,鈥� said Dr. Matt Seimears, President of 黑料社. 鈥淭his new Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies will be a world-class skills hub鈥攔ight here in Southwest Washington. It will give our students access to cutting-edge technology and hands-on training that prepares them for high-demand careers. This is a game-changer for our region鈥檚 workforce and a bold step forward in meeting the needs of industry, students, and our community.鈥�

Key Features and Benefits:

The Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies will serve a wide range of learners:

• Industrial trades students gaining workforce-ready welding, machining, and fabrication skills.
• IT and Computer Science students training in labs designed for evolving technology demands.
• Adult learners and English Language Students participating in College and Career Preparation
  programs, including GED completion and adult basic education.
• Workforce development participants seeking retraining or skill upgrades for new career
  pathways.

Legislative and Federal Support:

Included in the state鈥檚 2025鈥�2027 capital budget, the Washington State Legislature has approved $45,196,000 for construction of the new Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies鈥攎arking a significant investment in the future of workforce training and education in Southwest Washington. In March 2024, 黑料社 was also awarded $1 million in federal funds, which will be used toward equipment needs for the center鈥攁nother important milestone in delivering on this bold vision.

The Opportunity Can鈥檛 Wait Campaign:

In tandem with this historic investment, the Opportunity Can鈥檛 Wait Campaign鈥擫ower Columbia College Foundation鈥檚 most ambitious fundraising effort to date鈥攃ontinues to build momentum. Having already raised over $13.6 million, the campaign continues through 2025, supporting 黑料社鈥檚 highest-priority needs, including equipment and technology for the new Center. In addition to outfitting the new center, funds will support student scholarships and improvements to key campus facilities, including Story Field. Community support remains essential to helping 黑料社 reach its goal and ensure students can access the tools and resources needed to succeed in high-demand fields.

Community and Regional Impact:

The new center will:

• Improve student success through upgraded facilities and resources.
• Support economic development by producing job-ready workers.
• Prepare graduates to meet the skill needs of local employers.
• Expand access to education for non-traditional and adult learners.

Next Steps:

With state funding secured, 黑料社 will proceed with final design, permitting, and site preparation. Construction is expected to begin in November 2025, and updates will be provided throughout the project timeline.

About 黑料社:

Established in 1934, 黑料社 serves the educational and workforce development needs of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. With more than 90 program options and a strong record of student success, 黑料社 plays a vital role in building a skilled workforce and strengthening the local economy.
For more information on capital projects at 黑料社, visit /buildings/capital-projects/.