College Promise Coalition Event 14 March

College Promise Coalition to Hold Panel Discussion at Thurston Community Television Station on Yauger Way at 6 p.m. on March 14

"Let's Keep Our Promise to the Next Generation" Provides Theme for Panel Conversation about Higher Education and the Washington State Budget

The public is invited to find out more about how legislative trends could impact Washington families and our economic future at a panel discussion on higher education and the Washington State budget. The event will take place March 14 at 6:00 p.m. at Thurston Community Television (TCTV). Thurston Community Television is located at 440 Yauger Way SW, Suite C, Olympia, WA 98502.

Between 2008 and 2010, the state cut funding to higher education by 30%. If the currently proposed budget is approved, that cut will grow to 50%. This will mean fewer courses, elimination of some degree programs, increased class sizes, reduction in the number of families eligible for state financial aid and a freeze in enrollment levels for Washington students at most colleges and universities.

Higher education in Washington State is facing a crisis, with our public colleges and universities on the brink of losing half of the state support they received just four years ago. This path of state disinvestment is undermining educational quality, compromising access for today's secondary school students, and creating serious hardships across Washington State for students and parents, particularly those of more modest means.

The event will provide opportunities for questions and observations from the audience. The Evergreen State College, Saint Martin's University, and South Puget Sound Community College are partnering with the College Promise Coalition to bring you this event. For more on the College Promise Coalition, please visit http://www.collegepromisewa.com/