Pierce Today

Pierce County recently announced that it has earmarked a part of CARES Act funding that will provide funding for students who are attending Clover Park Technical College and Bates Technical College to help them afford their education.  

“Supporting Pierce County college students as they face the challenges imposed by COVID-19 is critically important as we look to recover from the pandemic and move forward,” Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier said in a press release from the county. “Our technical colleges provide vital education, training and experience that lead to career-wage jobs.”

The two colleges will receive $1.5 million so that college students who are majoring in technical classes can concentrate on their education rather than their education costs. Clover Park Technical College has already collected $750,000 in financial support for its tech students.

“The impact of Pierce County’s CARES Act funding on our students will be profound,” Dr. Joyce Loveday, president of Clover Park Technical College said in the press release. “This influx of much-needed support ensures continuity of support for students to reach their education goals, retrain for a new job and get that post secondary credential that is the key to benefiting from a post-recession recovery.”

Bates Technical College has already received $500,000 for its tech students.

“We are thankful for the CARES Act funds from Pierce County,” President Lin Zhou said in the press release. “Like so many across the nation, the pandemic has greatly impacted the students at Bates Technical College. In addition to quickly adjusting to a remote learning model, many have had to tackle specific barriers accessing appropriate technology and other resources. Many are raising families, serving as the primary caregiver or working on the front line as essential workers, all on top of managing their studies. These funds from Pierce County will allow us to support our students when they need it most.”