Green River College’s Information Technology program is a winner of the Excellence and Equity in Community College STEM Award by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and the Siemens Foundation.

Eight winning programs nationwide are receiving this award for not only providing outstanding preparation for high-demand jobs in advanced manufacturing, energy, healthcare, or information technology; but also for their intentional outreach and support of diverse populations that are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.

The Information Technology program embodies Green River’s commitment to providing all students equitable access to education and support services. In a field that is still predominately white and male, 28% of GRC’s IT students are women while 36% identify as Black, Hispanic or Native American. Additionally, 88% of recent graduates secured IT jobs within six months.

As part of the award, each college will receive $50,000. $25,000 will be allocated for program development. The remaining $25,000 will be awarded as scholarships to outstanding students, known as Siemens Technical Scholars.

We’re excited to share that the following students in Information Technology have been selected as GRC’s cohort of Siemens Technical Scholars:
Lennox Anderson
Grant Bassett
Jessica Martinez
Sarah Mehri
Heather Monatt
Jessee Schoenbachler

These scholars will share their stories to demonstrate the economic opportunity available in STEM careers. Each will receive a $4,166 scholarship.

To learn more about the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and the Siemens Foundation, visit: https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/siemens-aspen-stem.
About Green River College

Green River College is a comprehensive community college with academic transfer classes, professional technical programs, adult basic skills classes and continuing education. The college is one of the top transfer community colleges in the state. It also boasts one of the largest Worker Retraining and Running Start programs. Green River is nationally known for math, science and teacher preparation and features unique programs like aviation, broadcasting, computer reporting technologies, and natural resources. More than 10,000 students attend the college quarterly.

About the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to advance higher education practices, policies, and leadership that significantly improve student outcomes. The program is part of the Aspen Institute, a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society.

About the Siemens Foundation

The Siemens Foundation has invested more than $122 million in the United States to advance workforce development and education initiatives in science, technology, engineering and math. The Siemens Foundation’s mission is inspired by the culture of innovation, research and continuous learning that is the hallmark of Siemens’ companies. Together, the programs at the Siemens Foundation are closing the opportunity gap for young people in the U.S. and igniting and sustaining today’s STEM workforce and tomorrow’s scientists and engineers. For further information, visit http://www.siemens-foundation.org/ or follow @sfoundation.

The above is a press release from Green River College. The Auburn Examiner has not independently verified its contents.