The Community Colleges of Spokane ended an unusually challenging academic year with about 2,150 students earning degrees and certificates.
Spokane Community College and Spokane Falls Community College had hoped to honor all class of 2020 graduates at an in-person ceremony at the Spokane Arena in August but recently cancelled the event since Spokane remains in Phase 2 of re-opening. Instead, those students will now be receiving graduation packages in the mail as well as an invitation to participate in the class of 2021 commencement ceremonies next spring.
“We are impressed with the persistence and resilience exhibited by our class of 2020 students and proud of them for finishing their degrees and certificates,” said Christine Johnson, CCS chancellor. “We are truly disappointed to miss the opportunity to congratulate them in a formal ceremony. It is a significant accomplishment in life when one completes an educational goal.”
SFCC awarded approximately 1,320 associate of arts (AA), associate of applied science (AAS), bachelor of applied science (BAS) degrees and certificates for the academic year that began in fall 2019. The figures include 124 Running Start students who completed high school at the community college and 43 international students from 12 countries – Canada, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Tunisia, Ukraine and Vietnam.
SFCC’s Pullman campus awarded 63 degrees, including eight high school completions. Pullman graduates included international students from China, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.
SCC’s main Spokane campus awarded 486 associate of arts (AA) transfer degrees as well as 280 certificates and degrees in business, hospitality and information technology, 616 certificates and degrees in technical education and 280 certificates and degrees in health and environmental sciences.
SCC’s Newport and Ione rural sites awarded a combined 20 associate degrees – including 12 to Running Starts students – 18 technical and professional certificates and 12 GEDs and High School Completions. The SCC rural sites of Colville, Inchelium and Republic are awarding a combined 108 associate degrees, career and technical certificates and 13 GED and High School Completions.
The SCC Adult Basic Education program awarded 224 GEDs, 38 English as a Second Language certificates and 45 High School Completions. There were 10 students who graduated from the College-to-Career program, which is designed to support students who experience an intellectual disability.
Like all other educational institutions, SFCC and SCC had to pivot from in-person education to online education in early April to allow students to finish their degrees and certificates. More than 30 SCC career technical and allied health classes deemed essential workforce training by the state and were allowed to return to on-campus, in-person instruction in May and June by following safety protocols approved by the governor’s office. SFCC also had two in-person allied health programs this spring.
Both SCC and SFCC will offer a mix of online, hybrid and in-person courses this fall, providing students with a range of educational options. Nearly all career technical and allied health programs will be taught on campus.
Community Colleges of Spokane is a dynamic 12,300-square-mile state community college district that includes Spokane Community College, Spokane Falls Community College and six rural education sites, serving residents in Pend Oreille, Stevens, Whitman, Ferry and parts of Lincoln counties.