At Communities for Our Colleges (C4C), we believe that transforming higher education requires more than good policy ideas. It requires organized people, strong relationships, and communities prepared to exercise their collective power. This spring, we launched the first phase of our electoral organizing work. During April and May, our teams conducted 1,214 voter outreach attemptsContinue reading “Building Electoral Power Across Washington: Lessons from Our Spring Organizing”
Author Archives: ourcolleges_admin
From Central Washington to Every Corner of the State: Organizing for Education and Democracy
In the week leading up to May Day, Communities for Our Colleges (C4C) mobilized across Central Washington — connecting with students, building civic participation, and helping bring communities together to defend democracy, higher education, and our local economies. In just one week, we connected directly with 635 students and community members across Yakima, Grandview, andContinue reading “From Central Washington to Every Corner of the State: Organizing for Education and Democracy”
From Seattle to Tacoma to Spokane: Building Power Across Washington’s Colleges
Across Washington State, Communities for Our Colleges (C4C) continues to organize alongside students, families, and communities to protect access to education and advance equity. Over the past several weeks, that work has taken shape across multiple regions — from mobilizing families in Seattle, to organizing students in Tacoma, to building relationships and leadership in Spokane.Continue reading “From Seattle to Tacoma to Spokane: Building Power Across Washington’s Colleges”
No Student Should Have to Choose Between Safety and Education
Recently, leaders from Communities for Our Colleges (C4C) were featured in a KING 5 segment highlighting the experiences of undocumented students in Washington. The story lifts up a reality that many of our students know all too well: for some, going to school is not just about learning — it’s about safety.
Student Story: Elizabeth Eng
I’m Liz, and I’m currently in Running Start at Cascadia Community College working toward my associate degree in pre-nursing. Outside of school, I love listening to Daniel Caesar, going thrifting, and eating good food—basically anything that helps me unwind from classes. I chose community college mostly because my brother did it first and my momContinue reading “Student Story: Elizabeth Eng”
Student Story: Daniy Garcia
At 21 years old, Daniy is studying Film and Digital Media at Eastern Washington University in Cheney. Before transferring, Daniy earned an Associate’s degree in Architecture through Spokane Community College after discovering it offered the program they were looking for. That step made higher education accessible and allowed exploration of different interests, including a futureContinue reading “Student Story: Daniy Garcia”
Student Story: Meerab John
I live in Marysville with my parents and my sibling—we both attend Everett Community College. I’m close to finishing my AA in General Arts & Sciences, and most days are a careful balance: shifts as a phlebotomist, hours at Amazon, then homework squeezed in around family dinners and weekend gatherings with our big extended clan.Continue reading “Student Story: Meerab John”
Student Story: Zichen Gong
My name is Zichen Gong. I’m 25 years old and a proud graduate of Whatcom Community College. Growing up, attending a university wasn’t something I could easily imagine. My family didn’t have the financial resources to make that path a reality. But a connection through one of my teachers, who knew the international director atContinue reading “Student Story: Zichen Gong”
Student Story: Maximiliano Torres
At Yakima Valley College, I balance many roles: I am a student studying humanities, and a work-study employee with student life on campus. Community college has given me the chance to keep learning, improve my communication skills, and prepare for a career where I can make a difference in people’s lives. Like many students, IContinue reading “Student Story: Maximiliano Torres”
Student Story: Valentina Vargas
Growing up in a big, loud family with four older brothers, one older sister, and a bunch of nieces and nephews, I was never really alone. We moved around a lot, but being surrounded by family always made everything feel a little easier, a little more fun. When I finally started college, I felt awkwardContinue reading “Student Story: Valentina Vargas”