Education Day was held November 16, 2018 in Olympic College’s new College Instruction Center, Bremerton campus and gave class members insight into education from birth to adult continuing education in Kitsap County. The class was welcomed by Olympic College President Dr. Marty Cavalluzzi. 
Dr. Jessica Kirchhofer, Director Western Washington University (WWU) /Olympic College (OC) Partnership & Field Experiences shared the new Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education at OC in partnership with WWU. She also introduced the class to the science behind, and great community benefit, of early childhood education.
Jennifer Glasier (LK10), Olympic College Dean of Enrollment Services shared how Graduate Strong is focused on building a College-Going Culture in our region and increasing the number of Kitsap and Mason County students who complete a post-secondary degree (2-year or 4-year) and/or certificate.
Alex Cervantes (LK 18), one of this year’s Project Co-Chairs and instructor in PSNS & IMF’s Apprenticeship program, shared the importance of industrial trades and the partnership between Olympic College and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in training its workforce.
David Emmons (LK14), Executive Director Olympic Collage Foundation and a mentor in Bremerton High School’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program shared his involvement with the program and the program’s mission to close the achievement gap by preparing ALL students for college readiness and success. He invited the class to become mentors as well.
Following lunch prepared by Olympic College Culinary Arts students, the class had the opportunity to tour either Olympic College’s state-of-the-art engineering lab or new College Instruction Center. The Mechanical and Electrical Engineering programs are a partnership between Washington State University and Olympic College to offer four-year Mechanical and Electrical Engineering degrees in Bremerton. The College Instruction Center houses Olympic College’s Health Occupations programs and Art, Music, and Theater programs.
Kitsap Regional Librarians: Lisa Lechga, Community Engagement Manager; Ashlie Bergeron, Manchester Branch Youth Services Librarian; Megan Burton, STEM and Learning Supervisor; Aleah Jurnecka, Silverdale Branch Youth Services Librarian; and Lisa Nabel, Collection Management Librarian shared several engaging library programs and opportunities for continuing education across all ages at the library. Each class member was also invited to share in this year’s One Book, One Community conversation and given a copy of Behold the Dreams by Author Imbolo Mbue.
As part of the day, Board member Dr. Dora Summers-Ewing (LK12) facilitating our Positive Leadership discussion on the leadership capacity of Purpose – the “why” behind what we do as leaders. Each presenter throughout the day exemplified this capacity!
Thank you to our Education Day Sponsors Kitsap Community Resources, and the Olympic College Alumni Association who sponsored our venue and delicious meals prepared by the Olympic College Culinary Arts Institute.