The state’s funding crisis is likely to hit community colleges hard with many anticipating a 20 percent funding cut. The lack of funding could result in widespread layoffs among faculty and staff, and an enrollment cap.

In the midst of the cutbacks, the Higher Education Coordinating Board’s estimates that 5,600 additional baccalaureate enrollment slots will be needed statewide by 2010.

“Washington is falling further behind other states in the number of bachelor degree holding students that we graduate, especially compared to the states that we compete with in international trade,” explained Jean Floten, president of Bellevue Community College. “We simply need to catch up.”

According to Higher Education Coordinating Board, even if Washington state universities fully completed their most ideal expansion plans over the next decade, it wont be enough to meet the state’s needs.

All options must be considered, even non-traditional ones to fill the void, Floten said.

Despite a gloomy outlook in terms of funding for community colleges and the rest of higher education, Floaten said BCC will continue to press forward with its plan for expanding its four-year degree programs, which requires authorization, but not immediate funding, from the Legislature.

“The bottom line for our college is human capital and human potential – two sides of the same coin,” Floten said. “Businesses need human capital to succeed and students need opportunities to require knowledge and skills for well paying jobs. “We’ll continue to fight for our students and the future of our community.”

Lindsay Larin can be reached at llarin@bellevuereporter.com or at 425.453.4602.