Washington Business Fall 2019 | Washington Business | Page 43

business backgrounder | education & workforce
Thinking Globally, Learning Locally
As Washington’s economy continues to rely heavily on international
trade, Highline College has made developing a strong workforce for
the industry a priority.
Debbie Ritenour
Situated between two ports and minutes away from a major airport, Highline College recognized the opportunity
to serve students and employers by developing a bachelor-level program in global trade and logistics.
Sometimes, the answer you’ve been looking for is right
under your nose. As Highline College discovered while
searching for opportunities to help students further their
careers, it may even surround you.
A few years ago, Highline staff began exploring new
ways to help students become more attractive to employers
and to help employers find the workers they need. They
started by looking at what other two-year colleges were
doing for their students.
“We noticed that many colleges were experiencing
great success by offering bachelor-level programs that
targeted workforce development,” said Shawna Freeman
Lane, the business department coordinator at Highline.
“These programs allow students who have completed
their associate degree to earn their four-year degree.”
Highline quickly recognized a golden opportunity.
About 40% of all jobs in Washington are related to
international trade. Not only did Highline already have
an established associate degree program in international
business and trade that it could build on to develop
an applied bachelor’s degree program, but the college
is also conveniently located between the ports of
Tacoma and Seattle and about 10 miles away from
SeaTac Airport.
“This region is heavily involved in international
business,” Freeman Lane said. “We knew there weren’t
enough people here to serve the very industry we’re
Shauna Freeman Lane, business department
surrounded by.”
coordinator at Highline College
–
At A Glance
About 40 percent of all jobs
in Washington are related to
international trade.
Many jobs in the field
require a bachelor’s degree.
By allowing students to build
on their existing associate
degree, the Bachelor of
Applied Science in Global
Trade and Logistics gives
students the education they
need for a thriving career.
“We noticed that many colleges
were experiencing great success
by offering bachelor-level
programs that targeted
workforce development.”
a path forward
Highline announced its new Bachelor of Applied Science in Global Trade and Logistics degree in 2015.
About 50 students enroll each year in the program, which is offered in collaboration with the supply
chain management certificate program at Central Washington University (CWU)–Des Moines. Highline
instructors teach most classes, but some are taught through CWU.
“It’s a great collaboration that supports both the students and the schools,” said Freeman Lane, who
also is an instructor in the program.
To qualify, students must have completed a related associate degree or be within 30 credits of doing
so. Because most students in the program are working part-time or full-time, classes are offered at
night or online.
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