Programs, Resources and Services for Students

Academic Success Centers

Math Resource Center

The Math Resource Center (MRC) offers workshops, faculty assistance and instructional resources to help students succeed in mathematics studies. The MRC is co-located with the Tutoring Center, providing a one-stop facility for student support.

MESA Program

The MESA Community College Program (MCCP) serves underrepresented students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields with academic support and professional development. MCCP provides rigorous academic enrichment services along with personal, financial aid, and transfer advising. Our MESA Student Center offers students a dedicated space to study, attend workshops, meet one-on-one for advising, and access scholarship and internship resources. Our goal is for students to excel academically and transfer successfully to four-year institutions as STEM majors.

Tutoring Center

The Tutoring Center offers academic support to currently enrolled students who may be experiencing challenges in their academic studies. Tutors are available for numerous academic disciplines ranging from business and world languages to the sciences and professional technical programs. The center also has computers, textbooks and calculators available for use in the Tutoring Center that students can check-out with their valid HC student ID.

Writing Center

The Writing Center offers Highline students one-on-one help in their writing processes. Writing consultants are strong student writers who are trained to mentor fellow students. Consultants help their peers understand assignments, develop and support ideas, organize drafts and learn editing strategies. The center also offers special workshops on grammar and style.

Advising Center

Advising is a teaching and learning process in which students, through a relationship with an advisor, are empowered to identify their life goals, understand the college, its curriculum, degree options and resources and services, and use that knowledge to develop and refine short and long-term course-taking plans to reach their goals.  Academic advising is a shared responsibility between student and advisor that includes certain learning outcomes as well as expectations of both student and advisor. 

The Advising Center is the central office for students to explore Degree Pathways at Highline College. Students are encouraged to connect with an Academic Pathway Advisor in the Advising Center after attending Explore Highline (Orientation) and before completing 30 credits (before registering for a 3rd quarter). 

Students enrolled or participating in special programs are encouraged to connect with an advisor in their specific program:  Athletics, Running Start, International Student Programs, TRiO Student Support Services, Workforce Education Services, MESA (Math Engineering Science Achievement) Program, ELCAP (English Language Career and Academic Preparation), Veterans, and WorkFirst/Womens Programs.

Admissions

Admissions processes general and RN applications, updates student records, and reviews residency for tuition purposes, while supporting students through each step.

Access Services

Highline College offers support services for students with disabilities to ensure access to programs and facilities. At Highline, it is the office of Access Services that directly assists students with disabilities by providing classroom and campus accommodations.

It is the policy of Highline to ensure that all qualified students with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations in the admissions process, programs of study and campus activities. The college is committed to providing an equal opportunity to access the benefits, rights and privileges of the college experience in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504; and Washington State Laws of 1994, Chapter 105, without compromising essential program requirements.

Any qualified student with a disability requesting reasonable accommodation at Highline will need to do the following:

• Arrange a time to meet with Access Services to complete the intake assessment;
• Identify yourself as a student with a qualifying disability;
• Present formal written documentation of your disability (a guide outlining requirements for documentation of disability is available through the office of Access Services);
• Request services early (at least four weeks prior to need is recommended);
• Present the “Letter of Accommodation” to faculty within the first week of the quarter; and
• Meet and maintain academic standards.

Services and accommodations provided on an individually determined basis may include accessible facilities, sign language interpreters, specialized equipment, texts on CD, access to assistive technology, note-taking assistance, testing accommodations, registration assistance and campus orientation.

Agency Funded Students

Students who receive funding from an outside agency for books, tuition, fees or other financial assistance must submit a funding voucher to the Cashiering in Building 6.

Campus View Student Housing

Campus View Apartments offers students a comfortable, convenient place to call home just steps away from Highline College. Our modern fully furnished apartments feature private bedrooms, laundry, high speed wifi, and a vibrant community atmosphere to support your academic and personal journey.

Living at Campus View means you’ll have access to all inclusive amenities, programs, and a built-in community of fellow Highline students, making it easy to stay focused, connected, and supported throughout your time in college.

Ready to become a part of the Campus View Family? Visit our website to learn more, explore floorplans, and schedule a tour today; we can’t wait to welcome you!

Career and Transfer Services

The Career and Transfer Center is here to assist students in planning and preparing for their career and educational goals after Highline. Students are encouraged to explore their career interests, learn about employment opportunities, and receive help with resume writing and interview preparation. Students transferring to four-year universities receive assistance with university deadlines, application requirements, and personal statement writing support. Throughout the year, the Career and Transfer Center hosts events that connect students with employers and four-year bachelor’s degree programs and institutions.

Cashier

Cashiering accepts cash or checks for payment of tuition and fees in person and credit cards for payments made online.

Center for Cultural & Inclusive Excellence

The Center for Cultural & Inclusive Excellence (CCIE) provides transformative leadership in creating a learning and work environment that is equitable and inclusive. In light of the college’s Cultural Diversity Policy, CCIE is committed to increasing consciousness on diversity and social justice, empowering students as social change agents, and dismantling institutional oppression.

Social Justice and Equity Programming

CCIE helps students reach their academic and personal goals by programming events and offering opportunities to promote empowerment around diverse identities and increase awareness of social justice and equity issues. CCIE supports students to attend events such as the statewide Students of Color Conference. Annual multicultural programming that honors the legacy of LGBTQIA+, Disability Justice, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,  and Unity through Diversity weeks. Our team creates quarterly committees that include students, staff and faculty representatives. If you are interested in collaborating, please contact ccie@highline.edu to get involved!

Center Resource Assistants

The Center Resource Assistant serves as a connector for students and the various campus and community resources available. Our CRA’s are the first point of contact when you visit our Center Office. The Center Resource Assistant strives to build vibrant student communities, emphasizing social justice and promoting action as a global citizen. Contact Us if you want to schedule a class presentation, learn more about student involvement and have interest to share resources for our team to promote.

Service and Mentorship Engagement

The Service and Mentorship Engagement incorporates student mentorship and service-learning by providing students community engagement activities, one-on-one mentoring, and various student leadership development. Through an intentional mentorship and programming that is culturally inclusive and responsive, the Service and Mentorship Engagement program will:

• Affirm Identity- We encourage students to explore the complexity of intersecting identities while empowering their authentic selves.
• Build Community- We give students opportunities to create meaningful relationships with diverse communities on campus.
• Cultivate Leadership- We provide students with various opportunities to take on leadership roles so that students can explore what leadership is for them.

Peer to Peer Mentorship

The Center for Cultural & Inclusive Excellence (CCIE) Peer Mentorship Program connects students who are seeking guidance and support from engaged student leaders. SaME consultants have successfully participated in various student leadership opportunities to become effective mentors and support for all students. Mentors and mentees will cultivate leadership strength throughout the academic year through various opportunities in partnership with the Center for Leadership & Service.

Service Learning Engagement

Providing Highline students the opportunity to give back to the community by providing support and service to meet the needs of our community is one of the objectives of the Service and Mentorship Engagement consultants. We hold community service events through partnerships with different organizations off campus and departments in Highline College. If you would like to learn more on how to be involved with our community, please contact us!

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) 

As one of the largest PTK chapters in the nation, Highline’s honor society promotes scholarship and service. PTK members engage in community projects and leadership development both on and off campus. 

Inter-Cultural Center

The Inter-Cultural Center (ICC) engages the entire campus community. The center provides a space where people can share and celebrate their authentic selves through dialogue and activities, engage in social justice advocacy, build knowledge about global movements, and develop as change agents. Our staff is committed to working with the whole campus to promote campus diversity and multicultural understanding.

The ICC provides:

• regular multicultural and social justice programming
• peer mentoring for students
• computers for student use
• a multicultural library

Join our ICC Peer Facilitators every quarter for events and programs centered on various topics and collaborations.

Center for Leadership and Service (CLS)

Highline Student Union: A Place for Students

The Center for Leadership and Service (CLS) fosters student growth and learning beyond the classroom through community engagement and leadership development. Students are encouraged to participate in leadership and service by planning campus activities and programs.

CLS promotes environments that support student involvement and success, grounded in the tenets of Servant Leadership: fostering relationships, encouraging social justice awareness, and inspiring global citizenship.

Our Purpose

We believe in creating communities and building leaders. Together with the Center for Cultural and Inclusive Excellence, we serve with intention through six core leadership pillars:

Leadership Pillars

Global Community

We believe everyone deserves opportunities to authentically connect and build community. We support inclusive, culturally responsive leadership that drives positive societal change.

Inclusion

Our leaders embrace diversity and intersectionality. We strive to uplift and affirm all voices within the Highline College community through inclusive practices and advocacy.

Legacy

We honor the foundations laid before us and empower leaders to innovate and leave their own mark, recognizing that meaningful work is built over time.

Social Justice

We equip students with tools to deconstruct systems of oppression and become change agents. Our programs encourage critical thought and empower students to help shape a more equitable society.

Sustainable Excellence

We prioritize student well-being and self-care, believing our best leadership comes when we show up as our best selves-both as students and community members.

Transformative Leadership

We help students uncover and share their unique stories. Through personal development and identity exploration, students gain the confidence to lead with authenticity and purpose.

Associated Students of Highline College (ASHC)

Get involved with ASHC

ASHC is Highline’s student government and advocacy organization. It represents student interests to the administration and the greater community, giving students a voice in campus governance.

Students involved in ASHC help set college policy, allocate student fees, serve on committees, and shape student programming. Leadership opportunities include elected and volunteer roles.

Clubs and Organizations

Explore Clubs

Student clubs and organizations play a vital role in campus life at Highline. Created by students with shared interests or career goals, these groups provide space for connection, leadership development, and personal growth. Students can join an existing club or start their own!

Student Union Spaces

• The Center - Open to all students for studying or relaxing
• Fireside Bistro - Coffee and lunch
• Mt. Jupiter (3rd floor) - Quiet study lounge with a scenic view
• Mt. Townsend (1st floor) - Open space with tables for group work
• Conference & Meeting Rooms - Three large and three student rooms available (reservations required)
• 301 & 302 - Club meeting spaces and Q-Center

Get Involved - Serve, Lead, Do!

The Center for Leadership and Service (CLS) fosters a vibrant campus life by providing programs, activities, and leadership opportunities that enrich student experiences beyond the classroom.

Students contribute a quarterly Services & Activities (S&A) fee, which helps fund co-curricular, extracurricular, and educational events.

CLS Offices & Student Leadership

Located in Building 8 (HSU), 3rd floor, CLS includes:

• Center for Leadership and Service
• Center for Cultural & Inclusive Excellence
• Associated Students of Highline College (ASHC)
• Student Clubs
• Global Student Ambassadors
• Marketing and Outreach Design Team

The office also features a workroom for S&A-funded program needs.

Student Leadership

Leadership at Highline is built on teamwork, commitment, and growth. CLS staff provide training, mentorship, and workshops for all student leaders. Most positions are hired in spring for the upcoming academic year.

Student Activities

Events include cultural programming, intramurals, music, social activities, and more. Visit cls.highline.edu for current events and social media links.

Student Government

ASHC invites all students to participate in governance, providing leadership training in public speaking, event planning, and more. Students may run for office, serve on committees, or volunteer with caucuses.

Global Student Ambassadors

This team supports international student success through orientation, mentoring, and global events. Their goal: create a multicultural campus and promote global understanding.

Student Clubs

Join or start a club to connect with others, develop skills, and make your voice heard. Dozens of active clubs ensure something for everyone.

Marketing and Outreach Design Team

This team helps students promote events funded by student fees, offering graphic design, marketing, and outreach support.

Additional Student-Funded Offerings

Intercollegiate Athletics

Highline’s Athletic programs emphasize academic and athletic excellence. Participation builds skills in competition, teamwork, and perseverance.

Men’s Teams

• Soccer
• Basketball
• Golf

Women’s Teams

• Volleyball
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Softball
• Tennis

Intramurals

Free for all students! Activities may include basketball, flag football, indoor soccer, softball, and volleyball. No experience needed-just show up with a positive attitude!

Publications

• Thunderword: Weekly, award-winning student newspaper
• Arcturus: Annual literary magazine featuring writing and visual arts

Counseling

The Counseling Center provides a receptive environment where students are helped to reach their academic goals through educational, career and personal counseling.

Counseling is a process that uses therapeutic techniques to help people cope with mental, emotional and behavioral concerns and to assist them in developing productive and meaningful lives. Counseling sessions are confidential as defined by law.

Educational counseling helps students learn to cope with stress and pressure that interfere with academic success. Students learn how to develop study skills, reduce test anxiety, manage time more effectively, establish and reach realistic goals, and adjust to college life.

Career counseling helps students explore the world of work; assess interests, values and skills; make occupational decisions; select educational programs and majors; and examine life goals.

Personal counseling provides students with the opportunity to meet with professional counselors to discuss issues and concerns that may be interfering with their ability to achieve educational and personal goals. Counselors are also available for crisis counseling and psychological emergencies.

Call (206) 592-3353 or stop by Building 6, upper level, in the Student Development Center to schedule an appointment to see a counselor. Typically, students can be seen within one week. If you would like to see the next available counselor, please indicate this to the front desk staff member and we will accommodate you the best we can.  You may also email us at counseling@highline.edu if you have questions about our services. We request that appointments are made through phone or in-person correspondence. There is no charge for counseling.

Enrollment Services

Enrollment Services includes Admissions, Registration and Records.

Admissions coordinates all general admissions into the college as well as selective admissions into certain programs.  Admissions also supports students with navigating and understanding residency for tuition purposes.

Registration and Records processes student enrollment and withdrawal transactions and maintains student transcripts and records. Registration and Records also processes transfer credits, graduation applications and student record changes (such as name or address updates). 

Entry Advising

Entry Advising is Here to Help You Get Started on Your Educational Journey at Highline.

Getting started at Highline College involves several steps, and Entry Advisors are here to support students throughout the admissions and enrollment process so they’re ready for first quarter’s registration! Most students will be asked to fill out a Get Started! Questionnaire in their admissions letter, which will prompt them to schedule a meeting with an Entry Advisor. 

We understand that each person’s educational journey looks different, and we strive to support students wherever they are in this process. Entry Advisors are here to help you explore the various Degree Pathways at Highline and to complete all the pre-enrollment tasks in order to enroll in classes.

Ready to Get Started? Start working on the Pre-Enrollment steps & Connect with an Entry Advisor soon. We look forward to meeting you!

Financial Aid Services

All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid assistance. For information about financial aid availability and the application process, see Highline’s Fund Your Education page.

General Educational Development (GED) Testing

Highline is a testing center certified to administer the GED Testing Service of the American Council on Education. Students must be 19 years of age or older to take the test. Students between the ages of 16 and 18 may take the test if they obtain approval from their local school districts. Those who do not attend a local high school should contact the district where they now live.  Scheduling for the test is done at the GED Testing Service website.  Special testing arrangements for students with disabilities are available. Highline also offers free GED test preparation courses. For more information, visit the Placement and Testing Center GED page.

High School Enhancement

Students who are 15 years or older can enroll in college courses through the High School Enhancement program. Permission from the student’s high school and parents or legal guardian is required. Regular college tuition and fees are charged. Additional information is available on the High School Enhancement website.

High School Re-Engagement & Success Programs

Highline College’s High School Re-Engagement & Success Programs are comprised of ELL ExCEL, HS Success, Pathway to College, and High School Plus. Our programs support youths ages 16-21  and older as they obtain their high school diploma while earning college credits.  Each program supports the academic needs for a distinct group of students and our structure allows students to transition from one program to another as they make academic gains and demonstrate college going behaviors. We accept students from all school districts.

Programs

ELL ExCEL

English Language Learner Excellence & Commitment to Education & Leadership serves both newly arrived immigrant & refugee students as well as students that are currently enrolled in high school, but are struggling to meet state graduation requirements. We provide scaffold instruction, academic support, individualized advising, and help students develop the skills necessary for both high school graduation and college success. Qualified students are currently or previously qualified for ELL classes & services.

HS Success

High School Success helps students adjust to the demands of high school completion on the college campus. Students that complete HS Success cohort classes can work on their high school diploma exclusively or transition to PTC so that they can earn both high school & college credits simultaneously.

Pathway to College

Pathway to College supports students through an academically rigorous cohort model & a series of support classes that help students master college going behaviors. Successful students can obtain a number of college credits by working on a high school diploma & an AA degree simultaneously.

High School Plus

High School Plus is a program for adult learners 21 years and over who want to earn their high school diploma. The program expands options for students by including opportunities to earn credit for experience and learning from work, life, or military service. Students may attend classes or earn credits through competence testing.

Eligibility

• Between 16-21 years old and older
• Turned 16 yrs old before September 1st
• Be out of school or on the verge of dropping out
• Be behind in high school credits (for age & grade level)
• Be committed to completing your high school diploma
• Be able to express how your financial, educational, safety or health conditions would likely improve, if enrolled in one of our programs

How to Apply

Interested students must attend one of our Information Sessions in order to proceed to the application process. Parents are welcome to attend. Please visit our website for upcoming days and times.

Highline College Foundation

The Highline College Foundation develops financial assistance for Highline students. By working with community groups, businesses and individuals, the foundation is able to provide funds for student scholarships.

Not all scholarships are based solely on academic grade point or financial need. The foundation has established several scholarship opportunities for students who are pursuing degrees in specific fields of study. Scholarship information is also available from the Financial Aid office.

Information Technology Services

Information Technology Services (ITS) provides equipment, software and support for students and classes that use technology resources. There are approximately 1,600 computers available for student use across the campus.

The Academic Technology Center (ATC) in Building 30 houses 15 classroom labs and a drop-in open lab. There are also several computer labs at other locations throughout the campus, including the Higher Education Center in Building 29. These labs provide software used in various classes as well as access to online resources.

A quarterly instructional technology fee is required to use ITS resources, both online and on campus. This fee is automatically assessed on classes that use ITS resources.

International Student Programs

The primary goal of the International Department is to promote student success by fostering a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for all international students. We are a robust department dedicated to helping students successfully navigate the U.S. university and college system.

Our office offers a wide range of services, including admissions support, comprehensive orientation programs, academic advising, scholarships, student activities, SEVIS compliance, and other essential immigration-related information. In addition, we work closely with various departments and services across campus to ensure students are well-supported. These include Housing, Registration and Records, Medical Insurance, the Business Office, Career Services, Student Life, and Counseling Services, among others.

We take great pride in delivering outstanding customer service and are committed to being a reliable and compassionate resource throughout each student’s academic journey.

Incoming students are encouraged to visit the International Student Programs website for more information.

ISP Mission Statement: “We welcome international students into the Highline College community by supporting and empowering success even beyond program completion.”

Library

Highline’s library serves as the campus gateway to a broad collection of information resources. Skilled library staff members are available to assist students in locating information and conducting research. The Information Commons open computer lab connects users to electronic resources. Reference librarians provide tailored instruction in collaboration with campus faculty in our state-of-the art, dedicated library classroom.

The library houses a collection of more than 560,000 items, including books, scholarly journals, magazines and newspapers in print and electronic formats. It also has a large collection of videos available in streaming and DVD format.

In addition to casual reading areas and traditional library seating, facilities are also available for independent and group study for both large and small groups.

Medical Insurance

International students must carry sufficient health and accident insurance. Those who cannot provide documentation of appropriate insurance coverage to the International Student Programs (ISP) office are required to purchase the health and accident insurance plan offered by the college. For information, visit the ISP office.

Optional Student Injury and Sickness Insurance is available for general students to purchase. Informational brochures and application forms are available in Admissions.

Parking

Note: Violation of campus parking and/or traffic rules and regulations may result in fines or other penalties. Unpaid parking citations/fines may result in official transcripts may be withheld; towing of vehicles; and/or inability to register for next quarter’s classes.

Permitted parking areas are identified by signs posted at each entrance. Anyone who parks on the campus is required to comply with campus parking and traffic regulations. Any vehicle parked on campus must have a valid parking permit at all times. Permits can be purchased through the Cashier Office, online through the bookstore, or at the pay station machines in each of the parking lots. Purchasing a parking permit does not guarantee a parking space. Parking spaces may be difficult to find during peak hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The campus highly recommends students and staff use alternative means of transportation to the campus.

• Staff parking spaces are reserved 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. These areas are available to anyone after 5 p.m. and during weekends.
• Disabled parking spaces require that drivers own and display appropriate placards designating vehicles as disabled.
• Carpool spaces are designated for carpool permit holders only. Those parking in the designated carpool area must arrive to campus with two or more people in the vehicle.
• There are no visitor parking spaces on the main Highline College campus. Visitors need to purchase a $2.00 daily pass at the pay station machines to park in ‘General Parking.’
• Employee permits are paid through payroll deduction and the permits are issued through the Public Safety Office.

For more information about parking on campus, visit the Public Safety Parking webpage.

Alternate Transportation

Eligible Highline students can receive a $60 bookstore gift card when they spend $60 or more on mass transit during one quarter.  For more information, please visit the Commuting to Highline webpage.

Placement & Testing Center

The Placement & Testing Center works with incoming students to determine course placement and provides professional administration of a variety of tests including classroom tests. Tests include GED, TOEFL, STAMPS, NCMA, TEAS, student make-up testing, Access Services testing and secure test proctoring, including state exams, correspondence courses and out-of-state students.

Public Safety Office

The college’s primary concern is the safety of its campus community members. We encourage any student, employee or community member to report crimes or suspicious activity on campus to the Public Safety Department at 206-592-3281. An officer is on duty and will answer the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week including holidays. The Public Safety office is located in Building 6 on the first floor and mirrors the hours of the building. 

Public Safety maintains parking management, issues parking permits and parking citations, provides assistance to motorists, investigates accidents on campus and handles emergencies.  The department has a close working relationship with Des Moines Police Department to provide a safe learning and working environment for our students, staff, faculty and visitors.  A Public Safety Officer will provide on-campus escort service from building to vehicles upon request.

In the interest of transparency and in compliance with the Federal Jeanne Clery Act, campus community members are encouraged to visit the Public Safety webpage to see the last three year’s worth of ‘Clery reportable’ crimes. If you are the victim of gender discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct of any kind, we urge you to report these instances to the Public Safety Department and get the support you may need. In addition to getting the necessary resources a victim may need, reporting these instances is also crucial to the college responding appropriately.

Registration & Records

The Registration Department processes student enrollment and withdrawal transactions and maintains student transcripts and records. Students should come to the Registration office when they need to update their student record (such as name or address), ask questions about transferring credits from other institutions, apply to graduate, add or drop classes, or to access other information related to enrollment at Highline.

Students can register via ctcLink webpage. Visit Registration’s Enroll in Classes webpage to learn how.

Running Start

Running Start is a course-based dual credit program in Washington State that allows eligible high school juniors and seniors to enroll at a Community and Technical College to take college-level courses. Students earn both high school and college credit for completed courses. Tuition is free each quarter of participation; the exact number of tuition-free college credits depends on the student’s high school enrollment. Students are responsible for other college expenses; a Running Start fee waiver is available to qualifying students to cover some expenses. Information about enrolling at Highline College through the Running Start program is available on the Running Start website or from a high school counselor.

Study Abroad

The Study Abroad program offers students an opportunity to earn credits and experience everyday life outside of the traditional classroom in the United States. Program offerings occur in a variety of locations and during various quarters of the academic year.

Support Center

The Highline Support Center serves as Highline College’s Basic Needs resource center. Students are invited to meet one-on-one with a Benefits Hub Coach to discuss resources such as food, housing, and emergency funding. The Highline Community Pantry office is also located in the Support Center as well as campus partners WES & TSC.Services are available online or in-person.

Transferring from Highline

Students who plan to transfer from Highline to a four-year college or university should work closely with aHighline academic advisor and advisor or counselor from the prospective four-year college or university.  

Students planning to transfer to another college or university must meet the admission requirements of that institution at the time of transfer. Transferability of classes taken at Highline is determined by the institution to which the student transfers. Most Highline classes designed to transfer do so without a problem. Certain institutions, however, may limit the number of credits earned in a Credit/No Credit system or may have limits on certain classes.

Classes designed for professional-technical degrees and certificates are not usually transferable to four-year institutions. Students should work closely with advisors before attempting to transfer classes that are special components of an occupational program. Other types of restricted credits for transfer include course challenges, credit by examination, military experience, CLEP, DANTES and other nontraditional credit.

An institution to which an official transcript is sent may recompute the grade-point average of the student in accordance with its own requirements and policies.

TRiO Student Support and Retention Services

TRiO Student Support and Retention Services supports Highline’s mission and values of equal access and quality educational opportunities by providing support services for first-generation, low-income and students with disabilities to help them continue with their education and successfully transfer to a four-year college or university.

Eligibility Requirements

To be accepted into the TRiO program, a student must be low-income, a first generation college student, and/or a student with a disability.

Students must complete an application and return it to the TRiO Program Office in Building 6, Room 156. Students accepted into the TRiO program will be required to attend a TRiO orientation and participate in quarterly TRiO Student Support and Retention Services activities.

Services provided:

• Tutoring
• Personal, Financial and Academic Advising
• Professional Mentorship
• Community Engagement & Networking
• Workshops on academics, community support, transfer preparation and financial literacy
• Navigating the college transfer process
• 4-year college campus visits
• Scholarship search and application support

TRiO Talent Search

The Highline College TRiO Talent Search (TS) is a federally funded educational opportunity program funded by the US Department of Education. It is an academic and support program that helps students in 6-12 grades to succeed through middle and high school, graduate, and continue to college.

Eligibility

Student eligibility for TRiO TS is based on the following:

1. Be a student at one of our target schools:
   • Mount Rainier High School (Highline Public Schools)
   • Pacific Middle School (Highline Public Schools)
   • Foster High School (Tukwila School District)
   • Showalter Middle School (Tukwila School District)
   • Why Not You Academy  (Des Moines, WA)
   • Highline College High School Re-engagement Programs
   • Highline College Running Start students are also considered - contact our staff for more information.
2. Be a U.S. citizen, or permanent resident
   • Because TRiO Talent Search is funded under the U.S. Department of Education, Highline College TRiO Talent Search participants must be a US Citizen, Permanent Resident, or are currently in the process of becoming a permanent resident.
3. Be a potential first-generation college student (neither parent or legal guardian have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher)
   • Or, be income eligible as determined by federal low-income guidelines

Umoja

Umoja is a Kis-swahili word that means Unity. In the Umoja Learning Community we actively seek students from the African, African American, and Black Diaspora, to enhance their educational experience through the lenses of those cultures. Our dedication is to serve underrepresented student populations by offering them a built in foundational support system, which includes: academics, cultural representation, and Identity Development. Most of our students are First Generation, Low Income, students of color. Students do not have to identify as Black or Brown to join this community, but it should be understood that this is an intentional space designed to represent this specific narrative of students.

Academics

We offer a variety of Umoja supported classes. Our classes are foundational courses that will be applied to most transfer degrees, meaning that the classes we offer are classes that can be applied to any 2 year transferable degree. For example: Depending on the quarter, Umoja offers Sociology 101, English 101 & 205, Math 146+ (statistics), Environmental Science, Communication Courses, Critical Thinking for Equity and Diversity, African American Roots, and African American Experience and College Success. These are all accredited classes and Umoja supported. 

Cultural Representation

Umoja builds Cultural Representation through activities and assignments that are intentional in asking the student “Where I Am From”. Students explore the history of their family dynamics to become more comfortable with bringing their “true self” into the learning environment. Umoja is based around the connectedness to the African Diaspora, Unity, and Community, so we strive to collect the intersecting narratives of our students and show how those stories make us collectively intertwined as a people, and a culture. We do a variety of activities that ask the student to continually explore their unique and individual culture.   

Identity Development

Umoja builds Identity Development through a set of 18 Communal Practices and a variety of community building activities. We operate under 3 Heartbeat Practices: The Ethic of Love & The Affective Domain, Raising Intentional & Deliberate Purposefulness, & Manifesting.  These 3 practices are the foundation of building community, student identity, and Self Efficacy (Internal confidence and self motivation) for the student to continue confidently on their journey through Higher Education. We seek the cultural narrative of our students so that we are able to have them reflected in the student’s daily education. Umoja believes that when our students’ voices are connected, true learning is taking place.

Veterans Services

Veterans Services assists eligible Veterans and their dependents with activating and managing their Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits.  In addition, Veterans Services staff members provide information about VA, community and campus resources to help students reach their personal and educational goals.

Several educational funding programs are available specifically to Veterans. The largest is the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which is available to individuals who have served in the armed forces of the United States or worked at certain government agencies, as well as qualifying spouses and family members. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government VA education and training benefits website.

Per Public Law 115-48, Veterans will receive priority registration. This does not guarantee class availability.

Per the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRP §21.4201) the percentage of students receiving Department of Veterans Affairs financial support, enrolled in a class or program, cannot exceed 85%.

Women’s Programs & WorkFirst Services

Women’s Programs & WorkFirst Services (WPWF) primary goal is to promote student success by creating an accessible, welcoming, safe and gender-affirming environment for all prospective/current students and community members. Services focus on empowering students through individualized care to build their confidence, affirm their readiness to succeed, academic advising, college navigation, career exploration, life skills, and referrals to non-academic resources on- and off-campus. 

WPWF supports recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) aka cash grant from the Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) to retrain or build upon their current skill sets in order to enter the workforce to pursue a high-wage, high demand field. 

Eligible students pursuing a Professional-Technical degree/certificate, ELCAP, GED, High School Completion, or Continuing Education may receive funding for required tuition, books, school supplies, testing fees, parking permit, and request monthly TANF Support Funds for non-academic needs.

Women’s Programs

Women’s Programs provide events, donations, housing and DV/SA resources.

WorkFirst Services

WorkFirst provides support paying for college: tuition, books, parking permits, supplies.

Workforce Education Services

The Workforce Education Services (WES) Department prioritizes inclusivity for all students and fosters a nurturing atmosphere that welcomes and values everyone. WES assists students in enhancing their academic abilities to prepare for their career goals, provides campus and community resources to increase retention, and encourages students to overcome obstacles to achieve their professional objectives.

Worker Retraining

Worker Retraining provides financial assistance and support services to individuals who wish to acquire new workplace skills or upgrade existing skills. Loss or lack of work is a challenge to anyone and the Worker Retraining staff assists qualified individuals through the process of career assessment, establishing a training plan and bringing together financial and other resources to achieve a successful outcome.

Eligible individuals typically have received a layoff notice, are receiving unemployment benefits or have received them within the last 24 months. Displaced homemakers and self-employed individuals that are out of work may also qualify for assistance.

Worker Retraining staff members are also involved with a variety of community partners, providing assistance to their client populations. Highline offers more than 60 degrees, certificates and apprenticeships, equipping graduates with new skills for competitive wage jobs.

Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET)

The Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET) program provides financial assistance to students who receive benefits through the state Department of Social & Health Services’ Basic Food program. Qualified students may receive short-term assistance for tuition, books, fees, bus passes and child care.

Opportunity Grant

The Opportunity Grant provides financial assistance for low income students who are enrolled in the Business, Education, Healthcare, or Human Services programs or Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

Early Achievers

The Early Achievers Grant can help employed child care providers, and early learning educators complete certificates and degrees in Early Childhood Education (ECE).  Eligible students may receive assistance with required tuition, school fees and books.