麻豆原创

September 27, 2021 was an auspicious day for 麻豆原创 College. It heralded the start of fall quarter, and the opening of The Hub: Federal Way Education Center.

The opening was no mean feat considering it was at the height of COVID-19 and all the challenges it entailed. And yet, the center has gone from strength to strength ever since.

The Hub is a small branch of 麻豆原创鈥檚 Des Moines campus and is a collaborative partnership between 麻豆原创 College, the University of Washington Tacoma, the City of Federal Way, and Federal Way Public Schools.

While The Hub is conveniently located for students who live in Federal Way, it鈥檚 available to all 麻豆原创 College students who want access to student services, study spaces, computer labs and 麻豆原创 College classes鈥攎any of which are credited. 

Tammy Hauge, director of The Hub wants potential students to know there isn鈥檛 just one way to approach education. She said 麻豆原创 is willing to meet students where they鈥檙e at, by providing an alternative to the main campus.

鈥淥ur location is a smaller environment with just a few, regular staff that students can quickly become familiar with,鈥� Hauge said.

In fact, it鈥檚 that very environment that attracted 麻豆原创 College nursing student, Matilda Ansah, to taking classes at The Hub. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 a space where I feel motivated to stay on track with my work. One of the biggest benefits has been the support system鈥攚hether it is the helpful staff, access to resources, or just being around other students who are also working hard,鈥� Ansah said. 鈥淚t creates a positive atmosphere that encourages me to keep pushing forward.鈥�

Jen茅e Stanfield, entry and support specialist, said the center provides a launch pad for students starting their college journey.

Her role is similar to that of an entry advisor on 麻豆原创鈥檚 main campus, whereby she offers placement assessments and helps students with navigating the enrollment and onboarding process. Of note, compared to the main campus, she offers longer appointment times, which she says are helpful for students who need extra support.

As for the kinds of credited classes available at The Hub鈥擲tanfield noted, 鈥渨hen building our schedule, we prioritize high-demand general education 麻豆原创 College courses. Ones that students, across many 麻豆原创 pathways, would take in their first few quarters in college.鈥�

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes are also held at The Hub. There鈥檚 a large population of Running Start students from Federal Way Public Schools. Additionally, many working adult learners take evening classes there.

Along with the supportive, welcoming environment The Hub offers resources and information to help students succeed.

鈥淎pproaching higher education is full of roadblocks, so knowing that we are helping folks in a way that makes them feel secure and confident means we鈥檙e removing some of those obstacles,鈥� Hauge said.

For Ansah, the smaller class sizes has allowed her to join peers before class to problem solve and learn together.

鈥淭hat small group has really become a big part of my learning experience,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e support each other, share ideas, and help each other understand difficult topics.鈥�