Education transforms lives. That’s what draws students to Yakima Valley College and what inspires the daily work of our faculty and staff. While we know how powerful an education is to the individual earning their degree or certificate — providing a pathway into a family-sustaining career — it’s easy to overlook how that impact is multiplied many times over.
Take, for example, the story of Roger Ackerman in our new edition of YVC Voice. Roger struggled with addiction for decades and had been on disability for 16 years when he enrolled in Adult Basic Education classes at YVC. This spring he’s completing an internship through YVC’s Substance Use Disorder program and will graduate in June prepared for a career helping other individuals facing addiction turn around their lives.
Every YVC graduate touches innumerable lives here in the Yakima Valley and beyond, helping build stronger communities with more opportunities for people to achieve their dreams. This edition of YVC Voice showcases other stories highlighting the transformative impact of education. You’ll read how our new Bachelor of Applied Science in Agricultural Sciences degree will play an essential role in sustaining our region’s vibrant agricultural sector; how earning her degree through YVC’s Running Start program helped Jovita Mercado ’17 launch her career as an artist; and much more!
All of you make it possible for Yakima Valley College to be a place where this transformation takes place. Our entire community is stronger when everyone has access to the high-quality teaching and support services that ensure our students can thrive. I wish you all the best this spring quarter.
Sincerely,
Linda Kaminski, Ed.D.
President