South Seattle College
PAE-2: Strategic Plan

The strategic plan has a priority to remain in the top 10% of public institutions in Washington State in regards to: "Carbon footprint reductions, including energy consumption, water usage and other measures." The strategic plan also includes plans to increase "green building" technical skills courses by 30% by 2015.

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The strategic plan has a priority to increase awareness of the economic impacts of the community colleges: "The Seattle Community Colleges are major contributors to the economic health of the Puget Sound Region. Results from a 2003 economic impact study* showed that the colleges account for about $700 million of all annual earnings in the regional economy due to annual spending by the college district, faculty, staff and students, which is roughly equal to more than 14,000 jobs. The same study found a cost-benefit ratio of 22, that is, every dollar of state tax money invested in the colleges will return a cumulative of $22 over the next 30 years. New baseline data will be collected in fall 2010 to determine both the economic impact of the institution and community awareness of the Seattle Community Colleges. The economic impact target will be based on projected program expansion, grants, increased enrollment and student graduates over the next five years and will reflect budget constraints due to the economy. The target for awareness will be based on feedback received from the community." The strategic plan also has a priority to increase grant and private funding to expand programs and increase affordability to students: "The Seattle Community Colleges have been successful in securing grant funding from federal, state and private sources to support new programs and expand existing programs. Between 2005 and 2009, the District generated $96 million in grants and contracts and more than $102 million for capital projects. In 2006, the colleges launched a combined fundraising campaign, Power & Promise, and created a district foundation in addition to the three college foundations. The Campaign raised more than $34 million, exceeding its goal of $25 million. Identifying and securing additional sources of funding, such as a tax levy, are critical given the current economic climate and reductions in state funding. In addition, the District will begin planning for the next district-wide campaign, including strengthening the Seattle Community Colleges Foundation and conducting a feasibility study."