Why choose CBC?
There are so many reasons, but here's why our current students choose us:
- Affordable tuition, so you can pursue your education without taking on overwhelming debt
- Flexible options to fit your goals and lifestyle, whether you're starting or returning to college, or balancing work and family
- Strong sense of community on campus, where students from all walks of life are welcomed, supported, and celebrated
- Many ways to get involved, from student clubs and campus events to service projects and leadership opportunities
- Supportive faculty and staff are here to guide you whether you need help with classes, career goals, or navigating campus life
View all CBC has to offer in this all-in-one guide! Inside you'll find everything you need to know about our programs, campus life, student resources, and the supportive community that's ready to help you succeed.
What is Outreach & Recruitment?
At Columbia Basin College (CBC), our Outreach and Recruitment team is here to guide and support future students. Whether you're new to the Tri-Cities, exploring college for the first time, or returning to continue your education. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and are dedicated to helping you navigate your path to college and career success. To connect with our community, we also partner with local schools, organizations, and groups to provide presentations, workshops, campus tours, and information sessions that make learning about CBC accessible and engaging.
Request a Presentation from our Speakers Collective
Are you interested in scheduling a CBC representative to present to your class or organization? The Outreach & Recruitment team offers a variety of presentations designed to support prospective students through every step of their college journey. Whether they're exploring career paths or building a financial plan for college, our interactive sessions provide the tools and guidance they need to succeed.
Student Ambassador Program
Each year, Outreach & Recruitment selects motivated, outgoing students to serve as campus leaders through the Student Ambassador Program. Ambassadors play a key role in representing CBC y sharing their college experience and promoting student life both on campus and in the community. In return for their service, Ambassadors receive a tuition waiver. Learn more about the program and how to apply.
Applications are currently closed, but if you fill out our interest form you will notified in April when the application opens!
Meet the Recruiters
The Recruitment Team is excited to help you discover all the programs and opportunities waiting for you on campus and support you through every step of the admission process! We can’t wait to connect with you, whether that’s in your classroom, during a one-on-one appointment, at a campus event, or out in the community!
Book an Appointment with a Recruiter!
Erika Espinoza
Recruitment Specialist
Erika Espinoza
Recruitment Specialist
Hello, I am Erika. I grew up in the Tri-Cities. A fun fact about me is I am a huge
Seattle sports fan.
Click here to find out which areas I serve!
Emily Kraynak
Recruitment Specialist
Emily Kraynak
Recruitment Specialist
Hello, I am Emily! I grew up in Philadelphia. A fun fact about me is that I am a band
kid and have a degree in Flute Performance!
Click here to find out which areas I serve!
Vanessa Wertz
Recruitment Specialist
Vanessa Wertz
Recruitment Specialist
Hello, I am Vanessa Wertz. I grew up in El Paso, Texas. A fun fact about me is I am
a Navy Veteran.
Click here to find out which areas I serve!
Meet the Financial Aid Outreach Specialists
The Financial Aid Outreach Specialist team a is excited to help you learn more about the financial aid process and navigate the necessary applications! To connect with a Financial Aid Specialist in your area, check out our biographies and be sure to reach out! We look forward to meeting you soon in your high school or at a community event nearby.
Colleen Hall
Assistant Director for Student Recruitment
Colleen Hall
Assistant Director for Student Recruitment
Hello, I am Colleen Hall. I grew up in Harrah, WA. A fun fact about me is that I am
a New Year's baby.
Click here to find out which area(s) I serve!
Cassandra Miller
Financial Aid Outreach Specialist
Cassandra Miller
Financial Aid Outreach Specialist
Hello, I am Cassie. I grew up in Bonney Lake, WA. A fun fact about me is I have baritone
saxophone tattoo half sleeve on my upper arm.
Click here to find out which area(s) I serve!
Jennifer Silva-Gutierrez
Financial Aid Outreach Specialist
Jennifer Silva-Gutierrez
Financial Aid Outreach Specialist
Hello, I am Jennifer Silva-Gutierrez. I grew up in Othello Washington. A fun fact
about me is that I love to explore museums & learn about history.
Click here to find out which area(s) I serve!
Pedro Magaña-Valencia
Financial Aid Outreach Specialist
Pedro Magaña-Valencia
Financial Aid Outreach Specialist
Hello, I am Pedro Magaña-Valencia. I grew up in Manson, Washington. A fun fact about
me is that I collect Funko Pops.
Click here to find out which area(s) I serve!
Celia Aguilar
Financial Aid Outreach Specialist
Celia Aguilar
Financial Aid Outreach Specialist
Hello, I’m Celia. I grew up in Sunnyside, Washington. A fun fact about me is I'm the
first in my family to attend college.
Click here to find out which area(s) I serve!
Isaac Marroquin
Financial Aid Outreach Specialist
Isaac Marroquin
Financial Aid Outreach Specialist
Hello, I am Isaac! I grew up in the Tri-Cities. A fun fact about me is I have a goldendoodle
and small chicken flock.
Click here to find out which area(s) I serve!
Mackenzie Hale
Financial Aid Outreach Specialist
Mackenzie Hale
Financial Aid Outreach Specialist
Hello, I am Mackenzie. I grew up in Walla Walla. A fun fact about me is I love horror
movies.
Click here to find out which area(s) I serve!
Estreyita Rosales
Financial Aid Outreach Specialist
Estreyita Rosales
Financial Aid Outreach Specialist
Hello, I am Estreyita Rosales. I grew up in Pasco, WA. A fun fact about me is I used
to be a news anchor.
Click here to find out which area(s) I serve!
Meet the Education Reentry Navigator
The Education Reentry Navigator is here to help justice system-impacted individuals get connected with educational opportunities in our area. If you are not sure where or how to start your journey to successful reentry through education (academic, vocational, or GED/HS completion), we are happy to discuss impacts of a conviction history and career options, as well as help with admission applications and financial aid!
Jason McCollum
Education Reentry Navigator
Jason McCollum
Education Reentry Navigator
Hello, I am the education reentry navigator and here to help system-impacted individuals connect with academic, vocational, and pre-college programs and support services.
Meet the Program Support Supervisor II
The Program Support Supervisor II coordinates campus visits for K–12 students and community organizations, ensuring that all visitors, students, educators, and community members have a welcoming, informative, and engaging experience. In addition to coordinating visits, the Program Support Supervisor II also manages our Student Ambassadors. Learn more about the Student Ambassador Program.
Debbie Verling
Program Support Supervisor II
Debbie Verling
Program Support Supervisor II
Hello, I am Debbie. I grew up in New Jersey. A fun fact about me is I worked at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World for 3 ½ years.
Meet the Director of Student Recruitment
The Director oversees team operations and builds internal and external partnerships to support all learners as they begin their educational journey at CBC. By fostering collaboration and innovation with the Outreach team, the Director helps create an inclusive environment that promotes student success both at CBC and beyond.
Shantoria Vance
Director for Student Recruitment
Shantoria Vance
Director for Student Recruitment
Hello, I am Shantoria. I grew up in Michigan. A fun fact about me is that I studied abroad in Japan.
