Columbia Basin College

Columbia Basin College. Founded in 1955, it is a public community college located in Pasco, Washington, serving the Tri-Cities area and the broader Columbia Basin region. The college offers a comprehensive range of associate degrees, professional-technical certificates, and bachelor of applied science degrees, operating on a quarter system. As part of the Washington Community and Technical Colleges system, it is a key institution for higher education and workforce training in southeastern Washington.

History

The institution was established by a vote of local citizens in 1955, initially holding classes at Pasco High School before moving to its permanent campus. Its creation was driven by the post-World War II demand for accessible higher education and the economic growth associated with the Hanford Site and the Columbia River projects. Early development was significantly supported by the 1967 passage of a bond measure that funded the construction of major campus facilities. Throughout its history, it has expanded its mission, adding programs in response to regional needs, such as those in health sciences, advanced manufacturing, and cybersecurity, and began offering applied baccalaureate degrees in the 2010s under authorization from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Academics

The college provides over 100 programs of study, including transfer associate degrees designed for seamless transition to four-year institutions like Washington State University and the University of Washington. Its professional-technical division features career training in fields such as nursing, welding, diesel technology, computer science, and law enforcement. Notable specialized facilities include the Health Science Center and the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center. The institution also hosts the GED and ESL programs, supports Running Start, and offers courses through the Workforce Education department. It maintains articulation agreements with numerous universities within the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accreditation region.

Campus

The main campus occupies 167 acres in Pasco, featuring a mix of mid-century and modern architecture, with key buildings including the Gjerde Center, the Student Union Building, and the Performing Arts Theatre. A significant satellite facility, the CBC Moses Lake Center, operates in Moses Lake to serve Grant County and the Big Bend area. The campus landscape includes the Columbia River-inspired water feature known as the "Canal," and facilities for the agricultural science program. Recent developments have focused on expanding STEM and healthcare training spaces to meet industry demands from partners like the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Kadlec Regional Medical Center.

Student life

Student life is coordinated by the Associated Students of Columbia Basin College (ASCCB), which funds clubs, events, and student advocacy. Dozens of student organizations exist, ranging from the Phi Theta Kappa honor society to cultural groups like the Latinx Student Union and program-specific clubs. Major annual events include welcome week activities, cultural celebrations, and the Spring Fling. Support services are extensive, including the TRiO Student Support Services, the Veterans Resource Center, and the Disability Support Services office. The college also fosters engagement through its Campus Activities Board and leadership development programs.

Athletics

The college's athletic teams, known as the Hawks, compete in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC). It fields teams in sports including men's basketball, women's basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, and wrestling. The Hawks have won multiple NWAC championships, particularly in baseball and wrestling. Home games are played at facilities like the CBC Baseball Field and the Hawk Nest gymnasium. The athletics program emphasizes the student-athlete model, with many competitors transferring to compete at NCAA institutions. The mascot, Hawkeye the Hawk, is a fixture at college sporting and community events. Category:Universities and colleges in Washington (state) Category:Educational institutions established in 1955 Category:Tri-Cities, Washington Category:Northwest Athletic Conference