Whatcom Community College (WCC), in partnership with Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington (TAGNW), is updating the existing Computer Information Systems associate degree at the college with expected implementation to launch in Winter 2022, pending approval. Our goal is to integrate work-based learning opportunities with academic instruction that results in new, information technology professionals in the workforce.

Program Updates

Note: Please contact Michael Gan, TAG Executive Director, for all inquiries at michael.gan@tagnw.org.

Take our Survey!
  • August 27, 2021: WCC Resources are updated to clarify Industry Partnership details.
  • August 27, 2021: WCC and TAGNW launch industry partner outreach for the WCC CIS Career Launch Program.
  • June 1, 2021: Focus group discussion arranged for June 29th 3pm-5pm. Please RSVP to participate.
  • June 1, 2021: Our Survey is open. Thank you for your feedback!
  • May 26, 2021: Community Input Campaign launched!
  • May 24, 2021: Project website launched.
  • April 2021: WCC completed gap analysis with Google and Amazon competencies and developed cloud foundations and database design courses.
  • March 2021: Career Launch Round 5 funding awarded and project launched to refresh the WCC CIS program.

Community Input Campaign

Help us refresh the WCC CIS program!

We welcome you and your organization to participate in the refresh of the existing Computer Information Systems program at Whatcom Community College by becoming a work-based learning partner!

We Want Your Input!

Share your insights regarding critical skills and qualities necessary for student interns and entry level positions, work-based learning opportunities for students, industry hiring demand, and availability of local candidates.

TAGNW will facilitate several opportunities for input in a range of formalities, including a community input campaign survey and virtual focus group discussion to collect feedback on existing curriculum and program components. The findings of each activity will be considered and integrated into the refreshed WCC Computer Information Systems program.

Survey

We have prepared several questions to consider for a student or recent graduate of the WCC Computer Information Systems program and invite your feedback in our Community Input Campaign Survey. Our goal is to engage with industry, understand real-world priorities, and integrate the knowledge and experience of the community into the program. Your input is appreciated. Thank you for your participation.

Take our Survey!

Focus Group Discussion

TAGNW will facilitate a virtual focus group discussion on June 29th from 3pm – 5pm. Agenda will include guided discussion with topics similar to the survey questions. Our goal is to host a vibrant discussion to improve the quality and effectiveness of the WCC Computer Information Systems program. Interested to be involved? See our contact information below to participate.

Resources

TAG Resources

WCC Career Launch Project Webpage: Learn how WCC + TAG collaborate to create new career launch technology programs. Interested to learn what career launch and work-based learning are? Start here!

WCC Software Development Career Launch Project Webpage: Our project focused on creating a new Software Development Associates Degree at WCC. Thank you to our Industry Partners for supporting the program! Interested to participate? Review the project and reach out!

WCC Resources

WCC Computer Information Systems Academic Overview Webpage: An overview of all WCC CIS programs.

WCC Computer Information Systems – Associate Degree Program Overview (PDF): Program Overview, Program Outcomes, Degree Requirements, and Course Descriptions for the current Computer Information Systems Associate Degree. Please review and provide your feedback via survey and focus group discussion!

WCC Industry Partnership Overview

WCC Industry Partnership Form

WCC Industry Partner Informational Letter

WCC Industry Partner Letter of Support

Program Partnership

Become a Work-Based Learning Partner!

Work-based learning is successful because deep collaborations with partners provide valuable internships and support resources for students. These collaborations provide mutual benefits in learning and recruiting, and help strengthen partnerships between organizations. The primary contribution of Industry Partner is to host students for work-based learning opportunities.

Why Become an Industry Partner?

Providing work-based learning opportunities for students creates value and benefits to your organization in numerous ways:

  • Screen and grow your pipeline of qualified talent.
  • Increase your visibility for recruitment.
  • Connect with career-minded students.
  • Diversify with new, motivated team members.
  • Contribute to a vibrant local workforce.

How Does it Work?

Work-based learning creates several opportunities for employers and students to interact with varying levels of commitment, including job shadow, internship, and work study:

  • Job Shadow: Host a first year student for an introduction to software development.
  • Internship: Hire a second year student for a meaningful, supervised, on-the job experience.
  • Work Study: Hire a student for part-time employment and receive partial reimbursement.

Reimbursement of Student Wages

Through the federal Work Study program, your organization may be eligible to hire a student for part-time employment and receive partial reimbursement of student wages between 50-75%.

Contact Us

To RSVP for the focus group or for general inquiries please contact Michael Gan, Executive Director of TAGNW, at 360-312-7105 or michael.gan@tagnw.org.

For information regarding work-based learning, Work Study reimbursement, and Workforce@Whatcom, please contact Brittney Maruska, WCC Special Projects Grants Coordinator, at bmaruska@whatcom.edu.