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Education

Higher education is becoming more important with every passing year. By 2018, 63 percent of U.S. jobs will require more than just a high school education. As it is, full time workers with a high school education earn almost $10,000 more per year than those who never finished school. Those who get a college degree earn even more: college grads working full time earn about $17,500 more a year than people with a high school diploma.

Want to go back to school?

Going to school is a big decision and can often be an overwhelming process. Luckily schools have specially trained people known as Advisors who can assist with the process.

An advisor is an academic advocate and navigator that can assist a student with course planning, registration, and academic counseling. An advisor is also able to direct a student to college resources such as the Learning Centers, Career Services, Accessibility Services, and other resources that can support a student’s success.

Local Colleges and Universities

WWU offers a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and offer smaller class sizes to give more individualized attention.

  • Advising phone: 360-650-3850
  • Advising hours: M-F 8-5
  • Advising email: advising@wwu.edu

Whatcom Community College offers a variety of 2-year degrees in health sciences and other fields, technical education, associate’s degrees, and a 4-year degree in computer information systems.

  • Advising phone: 360-383-3080
  • Advising hours: M-R 9-4 and F 9-12
  • Advising email: advise@whatcom.edu

BTC offers 33 associate degree programs and 55 certificate programs for in-demand fields and they also offer transfer classes and adult education classes like GED prep.

  • Advising phone: 360-752-8345
  • Advising hours: M-R 8-5 and F 8-4
  • Advising email: advising@btc.edu

NWIC primarily focuses on recruiting Native-American, Alaska Native, and Canadian First Nations students, but follows an ‘open door’ admissions policy. NWIC offers 4 bachelor’s programs, and 7 associate programs in a variety of fields.

Not ready for college?

Goodwill

Offers a variety of English classes for speakers of other languages including pronunciation, pre-literacy, beginning, intermediate, advanced and Citizenship Test Preparation.

 

Whatcom Literacy Council

Offers free one-on-one tutoring services for adult English Language Learners including reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

 

Whatcom Community College

Whatcom Community College offers classes to adults in Whatcom County who want to improve skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing English while also learning about American culture and our local community.

 

Bellingham Technical College

Classes are for individuals who need to improve their English skills to enroll in college, or succeed in the workplace or American culture. Offered at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Goodwill

Offers Basic Skills and GED Test Preparation Classes, including special focus on math and writing.

Bellingham Technical College

Offers students GED preparation for the GED test and focuses on improving basic academic and workplace skills at the student’s own pace.

Whatcom Community College

Offers both GED test preparation and High School Completion classes, with both day and evening classes available to fit your needs.

Deciding to go back to College is a big step. If it’s been a while or you previously found it challenging, these programs might be the place to start.

Apprenticeships

Futures Northwest

Learn about how to find an apprenticeship, local apprenticeship opportunities, and more through the resources curated by Futures Northwest

Local Consultant

For any questions about apprenticeships, contact Futures Northwest’s local apprenticeship consultant

Gary Peterson
WA. State Labor & Industries
Apprenticeship Consultant

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries

Find information about how to become an apprentice, apprenticeship preparation programs, apprenticeship opportunities in Washington, and more.

Career Quiz

whatcareerisrightforme.com
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Futures Northwest

Free local support with financial aid applications, scholarships, college and career dreams, and more.
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Apply for FAFSA

fafsa.ed.gov
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Apply for WAFSA

wsac.wa.gov/wasfa
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Student Loan Survival Guide

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