Whatcom Community College is a comprehensive two-year college serving more than 12,000 students annually. WCC offers transfer degrees and professional training programs, as well as basic education and community education classes.

The College plays a vital role in our community by offering individuals an opportunity to gain an education, develop job skills, retrain for new careers, or take classes for personal enrichment. WCC is crucial to sustaining our local economy and, for many students, it is one of the few options they have to help improve their lives and those of their families.

Whatcom Community College is a "state-supported" institution with funding from Washington State now making up only about 40% of its operating budget.  The economic recession of the past few years has placed an enormous financial strain on both the College and our students. State funding to WCC has decreased by 28% while enrollment has grown by 28%. Increasing numbers of students are facing economic difficulties and struggling to afford tuition; scholarship applications have more than tripled this year alone. During such challenging times, private funding is critical to ensuring that WCC continues to be widely accessible to students from all economic backgrounds and, at the same time, is able to maintain a culture of academic excellence.

We have. The national average for resident undergraduate tuition and fees at community colleges across the country is $3,029 while the average cost in Washington is $2,925. Over the past two years, WCC has raised tuition and fees above both the national and state averages. In 2008-09, WCC increased state tuition and fees from $2,799 to $3,105, and in 2010-11 the College increased tuition costs again to $3,315.

While WCC strives to maintain high quality academic programs, it is also important to keep education affordable and accessible to a range of students. Tuition hikes of even a few hundred dollars each year per student may not sound like much, especially compared to tuition costs at traditional four-year universities. But for many individuals who are struggling financially, even that amount can push the goal of a college education out of reach.

The deep cuts in state funding and the increase in students who need financial assistance have resulted in declining revenue for WCC. Private contributions are essential to maintain an outstanding learning environment and to fund special programs that would not otherwise be offered. Excellence in education requires investment beyond the minimum amount necessary to sustain the College. Private charitable gifts to WCC are increasingly important to the future of the College, its students and the community.

Contributions fund key campus initiatives, including individual scholarships, textbooks, tutoring and other student services, as well as specific academic programs, capital projects, and other priority needs of the College.  There are numerous ways to give in support of the College's mission.

The Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to help meet the needs of the College and its students, enhancing educational opportunities through a number of programs and initiatives. The Foundation secures private funding for WCC so the College can focus on its mission: contributing to the vitality of our communities by providing quality education in academic transfer, professional-technical and life-long learning, as well as preparing students for active citizenship in a global society.

Because the Foundation is registered as a non-profit organization, all gifts are tax-deductible. Planned gifts such as bequests, trusts and securities may carry additional tax benefits. Consult your accountant for specific details.

Please email foundation@whatcom.ctc.edu with your updated contact information or call (360) 383-3320 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.