Columbia Basin College Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a public, two-year community college located in Pasco, Washington. Established in 1955, CBC serves the educational needs of Benton and Franklin counties, offering a range of programs from certificates to associate degrees and bachelor degrees of applied science. The college is committed to providing accessible education that fosters economic and social mobility for its diverse student population.

Mission and Vision

• Mission Statement: "Columbia Basin College inspires, educates, and supports all students in an environment of academic excellence leading to the completion of degrees, certifications, and educational transfers, while fostering meaningful employment, engaged citizenship, and a life-long joy of learning."

• Vision Statement: "Columbia Basin College will be the educational home that transforms students’ lives through economic and social mobility and strengthens the communities we serve through meeting the ever-changing educational needs of our region and state."

Industry Significance

CBC plays a pivotal role in the higher education landscape of Washington State, particularly in the Tri-Cities area. By offering a variety of programs tailored to the needs of the local community, CBC contributes significantly to workforce development and regional economic growth. The college's commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement further enhances its standing within the educational sector.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Educational Excellence: Providing high-quality, accessible education that meets the diverse needs of students.

• Community Engagement: Strengthening ties with local organizations, government agencies, and industry partners to enhance educational and workforce development opportunities.

• Sustainability Initiatives: Implementing environmentally friendly practices and promoting sustainability on campus.

Areas of Specialization

• Career and Technical Education: Offering programs in fields such as accounting, aerospace machine maintenance, agriculture, automotive technology, business administration, computer information technology, criminal justice, cyber security, dental hygiene, early childhood education, electronics, emergency medical services, engineering technology, entrepreneurship, finance, fire science, healthcare administration, healthcare central service technology, health physics, hospitality, industrial technology, innovation and design thinking, instrumentation and control, maintenance, management, manufacturing/machining technology, marketing, medical assistant, medical imaging technology, medical records and healthcare information, medical simulation, network administrator, non-licensed nuclear operator, nuclear medicine technology, nuclear technology, nursing, nursing assistant, occupational health and safety, paramedic, phlebotomy, project management, and welding.

• University Transfer Programs: Providing pathways for students to transfer to four-year institutions.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Platforms such as Canvas to deliver online and hybrid courses.

• Student Information Systems (SIS): Tools like Ellucian to manage student data and academic records.

• Collaboration Tools: Utilizing Microsoft Teams and Zoom for virtual classrooms and meetings.

Primary Markets and Conditions Targeted

• Local Community: Serving the residents of Benton and Franklin counties.

• Regional Workforce: Addressing the educational and training needs of the local workforce to meet industry demands.

• Environmental Sustainability: Promoting green initiatives and sustainable practices within the campus and community.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

• Endowment: As of the end of the 2023 fiscal year, CBC's endowment was valued at approximately $22.2 million, reflecting a 1.02% growth from the previous year.

• Government Grants and Contracts: In 2023, CBC received:

• $5.47 million in federal grants and contracts.

• $1.13 million in state grants and contracts.

• $8.84 million in local grants and contracts.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details regarding recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

As a public institution, CBC does not have private investors. Funding primarily comes from state allocations, federal grants, and local government support.

Intended Utilization of Capital

• Infrastructure Development: Upgrading campus facilities and expanding educational resources.

• Program Expansion: Developing new programs and courses to meet emerging industry needs.

• Technology Integration: Enhancing digital learning platforms and administrative systems.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

As a community college, CBC does not have a traditional product pipeline. However, the college continually develops and updates its academic programs to align with industry trends and community needs.

Stages of Program Development

• Needs Assessment: Identifying gaps in the local workforce and community.

• Curriculum Design: Developing courses and programs that address identified needs.

• Implementation: Launching new programs and integrating them into the college's offerings.

Target Conditions

• Economic Development: Providing education and training that support local industries and businesses.

• Social Mobility: Offering accessible education that enables students to improve their socioeconomic status.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

• Annual Program Review: Assessing and updating programs each academic year.

• Accreditation Cycles: Participating in accreditation reviews every five to ten years.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

CBC utilizes a range of proprietary and third-party technologies to enhance educational delivery and administrative efficiency. Specific proprietary technologies are not publicly disclosed.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Data Analytics: Employing data-driven approaches to assess student performance and program effectiveness.

• Learning Analytics: Utilizing analytics to personalize learning experiences and improve outcomes.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While CBC incorporates technology into its operations, specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed in the available information.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

• Rebekah Woods: President of Columbia Basin College. Specific details about her professional background and contributions are not publicly available.

Leadership Changes

Recent significant changes or appointments within the college's leadership are not publicly disclosed.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The community college sector in Washington State is characterized by a diverse range of institutions offering various programs to meet regional educational and workforce needs. Columbia Basin College competes with other community colleges in the region, such as Big Bend Community College, Yakima Valley College, and Walla Walla Community College.

Competitor Analysis

• Big Bend Community College: Located in Moses Lake, Washington, BBCC offers a range of programs and has a focus on workforce development.

• Yakima Valley College: Serving the Yakima area, YVC provides diverse programs and has a larger student population compared to CBC.

• Walla Walla Community College: Located in Walla Walla, Washington, WWCC offers various programs and has a strong emphasis on agricultural education.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

CBC actively collaborates with local organizations, government agencies, and industry partners to enhance educational and workforce development opportunities. These partnerships enable the college to offer tailored training programs and joint funding projects that benefit the community.

Operational Insights

CBC's strategic considerations include maintaining competitive program offerings, ensuring financial sustainability, and adapting to the evolving educational needs of the community. The college differentiates itself through its commitment to student success, community engagement, and environmental sustainability.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

• Program Expansion: Developing new programs in emerging fields to meet industry demands.

• Technology Integration: Enhancing digital learning platforms and administrative systems to improve efficiency and student engagement.

• Community Engagement: Strengthening partnerships with local organizations and businesses to support workforce development.

Future Business Directions

• Online Education: Expanding online and hybrid course offerings to increase accessibility.

• Workforce Development: Collaborating with local industries to provide customized training programs.

• Sustainability