Cascadia College – USA

Cascadia Community College, was established by legislative mandate and began operations in 1999. The college, located in Bothell, Washington, gained accreditation in 2006 from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The Board of Trustees voted to change the institution's name to Cascadia College in September 2014, reflecting its evolution and growth.

Early Development

In its formative years, Cascadia Community College had a small team of fewer than a dozen staff and faculty members who were responsible for a wide range of administrative tasks. These included developing the curriculum, recruiting faculty, and designing the campus. Key decisions were made in a small office located in a business park, where a communal table served as the venue for important deliberations. The founding team carefully selected fifteen "Founding Faculty" and 55 part-time Associate Faculty from over 1,100 applicants to build the college’s innovative learning environment.

Recognition and Achievements

Cascadia College’s innovative approach and interdisciplinary curriculum earned it recognition as one of twelve "Vanguard Learning Colleges" by the League for Innovation in the Community College in 2000. This accolade highlighted the college's commitment to cutting-edge educational practices and outcomes-based learning. Furthermore, Cascadia achieved national recognition in 2007 when Washington Monthly magazine ranked it as the second-best U.S. two-year college, following Atlanta Technical College.

Programs and Offerings

The College offers a diverse range of programs, including two-year associate degrees, a bachelor's degree certificate program, continuing education courses, professional training, and contract programs tailored to local businesses. The college’s focus on both academic and professional development ensures that students are well-prepared for their future careers.