Community colleges fill an

Editor:

On February 17, six local business leaders and two LBCC graduates joined me at the Capitol to talk with legislators regarding the state disinvestment in community colleges. I’d like to thank Larry Mullins, Samaritan Health Services; Bill O’Bryan, National Frozen Foods; Dan Capello, Marler Enterprises Inc.; Marcy Eastham, Hewlett Packard; Jim Denham, Wah Chang; and Rick Rebel, Western States Insurance. Also, LBCC graduates Henry Hamel, a medical assistant at the Corvallis Clinic and Charleen Skipper, a nurse at SHS Lebanon Community Hospital.

Our business and industry message is strong and clear–community colleges are leaders in providing the training for a skilled workforce. LBCC serves 14.3% of our total district population aged 15 and older compared to a statewide rate of 13%. More than 23,000 individuals take at least one class each year at LBCC. Professional technical programs are guided by 38 advisory committees made up of business and industry leaders to ensure that the training reflects their needs. Targeted short-term trainings are developed for individual employers or to respond to a specific, immediate occupational need in our community.

LBCC has built strong partnerships with K-12 and the university system to smooth the transition for students from one educational level to another. In 2002-03 high school students accounted for 5% of the LBCC student population with 1,284 students earning 9,957 college credits through 33 high schools. The LBCC/OSU Dual Enrollment program has earned nationwide recognition for innovation.

The economic impact of LBCC in our community is significant. According to a recent socioeconomic benefits study of post-secondary education in Oregon, the existence of LBCC explains $216 million of all annual earnings in the Linn and Benton county economy. Findings also indicate that a community college education lessens the demand on tax-supported health services, welfare and unemployment benefits, and public safety services.

The community college mission is to provide high quality, accessible and affordable education. In the last two years alone, state support for community colleges has declined by $62 million, a 12.5 percent decrease. Community colleges in Oregon have raised tuition an average of 20 percent with additional increases likely. Statewide, the decline in state support has resulted in thousands of students turned away from classes where the door has always been open in the past.

Our community benefits in so many ways by the strong partnership between business and industry and Linn-Benton Community College. We are fortunate to have strong business leaders who will give of their time to advocate for education so that we may continue to provide training for a skilled workforce.

Sincerely,

Dr. Rita Cavin, President

Linn-Benton Community College

Total
0
Share