Skagit Valley College

Active in Achieving the Dream from Summer 2011—Present, Skagit Valley College (SVC) was founded in 1926 and continues to remain committed to providing quality education and support to all learners, regardless of racial or ethnic background or income level. The college serves those in Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties in northwest Washington state.

SVC recognizes that equity arises from student need—30% of its students are first-generation college students and approximately 40% receive need-based financial aid. Although only 9% of SVC’s 5,700 students are Hispanic, Skagit County’s two largest high schools have Hispanic student populations totaling close to 50%. Another student need is college-level preparation. Of those students required to take assessment tests, 50% score below college-level English, and 95% score below college-level math. Of all SVC students, 20% have not graduated from high school or completed their GED and 12% are enrolled in ESL or IBEST pathways. Based on these disparities, SVC plans to do more to provide equitable access and support for students.