Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at CBC: An Introduction
What is Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)?
At CBC, we work to create equitable opportunities and support for students, faculty and staff of color and other minoritized or underrepresented populations on our campuses. We know this work helps us to improve outcomes for students college-wide. We invite all members of the CBC community to join us to promote DEI-related initiatives, or simply join the discussion and learn more about this important work.
Strategic Plan
Columbia Basin College’s Strategic Plan, Inclusivo: Hawks Soaring Together, will guide the College through the year 2025, and is full of equity-centered goals designed to ensure all voices are heard, all people are represented, and all students are provided their best opportunity for success.
CBC Receives Title V Grant
Columbia Basin College has been awarded a Title V Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Grant. The $3 million dollar grant, funded by the U.S Department of Education, will support the entire CBC student body by focusing on reducing gaps between First Time-Entering College Hispanic and Non-Hispanic students in retention and completion or transfer, increasing diversity students' retention and sense of belonging and improve students academic, social, and emotional success, from enrollment through completion.
The grant will fund an Equity Center, faculty development, and course and curriculum redesign.
Grant award number P031S220120.
2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award Nominations
Columbia Basin College (CBC) is seeking nominations for their 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit seeks to recognize a student, faculty, staff or community member, whose contributions to society reflect the spirit, philosophy and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In general, the award recipient should reflect leadership, dedication to the community, show generosity of spirit, heart and/or resources or any one or more combinations of these following attributes.
- Humanitarian – Gives their time and service freely, selflessly and often without recognition or the desire to be recognized.
- Community Building-- Has made significant contributions toward building a sense of unity among members of the community. Demonstrated the ability to build safer communities through various involvement, activities and programs that help to revitalize areas and serves the community and people, beyond his/ her or their regular job responsibilities.
- Cultural Awareness -- Demonstrates an appreciation for diversity, inclusion and has built, strengthened and maintained harmonious cross-cultural relationships/ Hence fostering Dr. King Jr’s vision of unity among people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Economic Opportunity – Seeks to improve the quality of life for people in economically challenged areas, that promote and uplift disadvantage people and communities.
Nominee must be a resident of Tri-cities (Franklin and Benton Counties). The award will be presented during CBC’s annual Martin Luther King Bell-Ringing Celebration on Monday, January 15, 2024.
Those interested in submitting a nomination can send a letter detailing the contributions of the nominee by email to the Dr. Luz Garza of the CBC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee at dei@columbiabasin.edu or by mail to Dr. Luz Garza, 2600 N. 20th Ave., MS-A1, Pasco, WA, 99301.
The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, December 15, 2023.
DEI Definitions
The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) maintains an online collection of research and resources, which includes helpful lists of commonly used DEI-related words and their definitions.
On-Campus DEI Resources
The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) helps students who come from a migrant or seasonal farm-working background during their first year of college with life changing resources. CAMP offers academic, career, financial and support services to facilitate your transition into college.
At CBC, we are committed to working with and for undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students. We will work to connect undocumented students with allies who can provide them with additional support and resources.
Disability Support Services (DSS) is dedicated to ensuring equal access and inclusion for all students with either provisional or permanent physical, health, learning, sensory or psychological disabilities. Accommodations may include adaptive equipment, technology, testing, classroom tools and information.
CBC’s High School Equivalency Program (HEP) helps close the educational gap experienced by migrating families. Our program provides migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their children with an intensive study program to earn their GED® and continue on to college or employment.
Degrees in science, technology, engineering or math have become more popular than ever before as the world rushes to keep up with innovations, theories and design burgeoning before us. The MESA program at CBC wants to help students like you, who are interested in pursuing degrees and careers in these important fields, by providing extra support through advising, internship and career opportunities as well as professional development even while you are still a student.
The purpose of student clubs at CBC is to provide opportunities for the enhancement of academic, cultural, social and recreational aspects of student life through participation in group programs and activities. These groups allow students with common interests to come together and share their talents and knowledge with the greater student community.
Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) at CBC is a federally-funded grant that empowers first-generation, low income students and students with disabilities to seize opportunities and successfully navigate barriers in order to realize dreams and accomplish educational goals.
CBC's V.E.T.S. Center provides support to military connected students like you in your transition to Columbia Basin College. The dedicated individuals who work in the V.E.T.S. Center will help guide you through your college journey so you have the best experience possible at CBC. The V.E.T.S. Center also works closely with the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure you have access to the benefits, care and services you need.
We know that sometimes life makes it difficult to concentrate in class which can keep you from being academically successful. These things aren’t your fault! CBC, and our surrounding communities, offer students valuable resources to support you through hard times and support your well-being. We encourage you to take advantage of these resources—it’s what they’re here for!
CBC DEI Committee
The purpose of the DEI Committee is to uphold Columbia Basin College’s DEI Value statement. Our committee affirms and celebrates the ongoing work at CBC and will raise awareness of existing and informal barriers to diversity and inclusivity and will advocate towards systemic change to create greater equity for non-dominant populations at CBC.
Columbia Basin College’s DEI Value Statement is as follows:
We celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion in all its forms, and we believe that our many unique perspectives make us stronger. Diversity among our team enriches our institution and our students’ experience. We are dedicated to eliminating barriers to success through intentional and equitable efforts to provide quality learning opportunities.
Fast Facts
