PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Seattle Community Colleges received $336,500 in August 2009 for a two-year project to improve services and provide training for dislocated workers as part of a national initiative. 
The dislocated worker programs at Seattle Central, North Seattle, South Seattle and SVI will work together to implement a best practice – an integrated intake and orientation process – to help potential students make more informed choices.   A district-wide task force will provide oversight and identify other best practices and ways to benefit all dislocated worker students.

Additionally, dislocated workers who enroll in programs that provide training in 21st century skills can compete for Walmart Brighter Futures Scholarships.  Funding will also be available for emergency financial support.  Career services and job placement assistance will be provided to the scholarship students, and data will be collected on student outcomes.

GOALS AND STRATEGIES

National Project Goals

• Help dislocated workers acquire 21st century job skills and obtain jobs that require those skills
• Increase academic progression, retention and completion rates for dislocated workers

Seattle Project Key Strategies

• Replicate best practices for dislocated worker programs and services
• Provide expanded financial support for tuition and emergency situations

ACTIVITIES

• Implement a student educational planning process for intake and orientation that is common to all four campuses.
• Explore and adopt best practices for all four dislocated worker programs through a    district-wide task force.
• Assess impact of new planning process and other best practices on student retention, completion and program operations.
• Provide financial support for tuition, books, tools, and related items, and leverage funds and resources from other agencies.
• Help students obtain jobsthrough training in 21st century skills, career counseling, and opportunities to meet employers.
• Track student outcomes through retention    and completion data and follow-up surveys with graduates and employers.

IMPACT

• Improve services for all dislocated worker students through new best practices.  Directly serve 815 new dislocated worker students with the new student educational planning process.
• Directly assist at least 115 students with financial assistance (maximum $2,000 stipend).  Depending on student need, more students may be served.