On Wednesday, 10/22, law enforcement will be conducting an all-day training exercise at a nearby location. As a part of this training, the King County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, Guardian 2, will conduct flight operations in and around Shoreview Park.
The college hopes that this advanced notification will assist with reducing or limiting the concerns of those who may witness the flight operations. We would like to thank our partners at Shoreline Police and the King County Sheriff’s Office for reaching out and providing us with this information in advance.
Free Mental Health First Aid Training Offered at Shoreline Community College!
Shoreline Community College Counseling Center is offering free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for our campus community. MHFA is a research-supported international education program developed to teach adults how to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. MHFA is a skills-based course that gives people the tools to assist someone who might be struggling with mental health or substance use challenges and connect them with appropriate support and resources. To date, 2.5 million people across the United States have been trained in MHFA.
Just as CPR helps those without clinical training assist an individual having a heart attack, MHFA prepares participants to interact with a person experiencing a mental health crisis. Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step Action Plan that guides them through reaching out and offering appropriate support.
With support from the Counseling Center, this training (valued at $170.00/participant) is FREE to Shoreline Community College employees and students.
Training Details:
We are currently offering a blended training which includes:
2-hour, self-paced online training prior to the in-person training and
6.5 hour in-person training
This quarter’s in-person training is scheduled for: Monday, November 17th, 9:00am-3:30pm
The self-paced online training must be completed prior to attending the in-person training. You must complete the online and in-person training to become a certified Mental Health First Aider. MHFA certification lasts for 3 years.
Please email Gwyn Hoffman-Robinson at gehoffman@shoreline.eduto register and/or find out more information. Please note registration is limited and a waiting list will be started when capacity is reached. Once registered, details as far as room location, etc. will be shared.
Too many college students today are being forced to make impossible choices, often choosing between paying for food and rent, or staying in school. The lack of reliable access to housing, food, and other essentials has become a growing crisis, making it harder for students to complete their education and secure living-wage jobs.
The Shoreline College Foundation is raising funds to ensure students have access to the essentials they need to succeed. To that end, the Foundation is proud to announce generous contributions from BECU (Boeing Employees Credit Union) and Coastal Community Bank, with each institution awarding $10,000 to support Shoreline’s Basic Needs Support program. These investments will help ensure Shoreline students have access to food, housing assistance, tuition support, and other critical resources, helping to remove financial barriers to education.
“We are deeply grateful for BECU and Coastal Community Bank’s commitment to our students,” said Wendy Coates, Associate Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of the Shoreline College Foundation. “Their generosity reflects the power of partnership, and their support will directly impact students who are working hard to achieve their goals while also facing financial challenges.”
BECU is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative guided by the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” Putting people over profit drives BECU’s everyday business decisions. Unlike many financial institutions, BECU is owned by its members, not private shareholders, which enables the credit union to reinvest in community well-being through programs like Shoreline’s Basic Needs Support program.
Coastal Community Bank has a long-standing tradition of giving back to the communities it serves. In alignment with the Community Reinvestment Act, Coastal supports nonprofit organizations that strengthen communities, particularly those serving low- and moderate-income individuals and families. Their focus areas include affordable housing, financial education, workforce development, neighborhood revitalization, health and social services, and youth programs.
“We believe that your work contributes significantly to the community, and we are excited to support your efforts,” said Colleen Temple, Vice President and Community Impact Manager at Coastal Community Bank.
The need for student support is urgent. According to the Fall 2024 Washington Student Experience Survey:
52% of students reported experiencing food and housing insecurity
44% reported food insecurity alone
Students at two-year colleges, especially parents, first-generation students, and those from low-income households are disproportionately affected
One student shared, “Pursuing higher education is challenging enough, but dealing with food insecurity and housing instability makes the journey even tougher. These basic needs become constant distractions, making it hard to focus on school. I often find myself sitting in class thinking about how I’m going to make ends meet, whether I’ll have enough money for food, or how I’ll pay rent.”
The Shoreline College Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to growing philanthropy in support of the students and programs of Shoreline College. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of students.
With the partnership of BECU and Coastal Community Bank, the Foundation can continue building a future where all students feel safe, supported, and equipped to thrive.
The wireless network across campus in all buildings has been restored through our back-up line. The wired network still remains unstable at this time due to an external issue. We are waiting for more information from our internet provider.
Please continue all in-person operations and classes as per usual.
The SCC Counseling Center provides free, short-term mental health, career, and student success counseling to students. Crisis counseling is available to students who feel unable to keep themselves safe if you walk in to the Counseling Center (FOSS 5251) during college business hours. The Counseling Center can also help you connect with mental health care off-campus. To schedule an appointment, walk in or call (206) 546-4594.
At 6:40 a.m. today (9/25), we experienced some instability with our campus network.
Currently, the wired network remains unstable. The wireless network is operational in specific areas, and our team is working to reroute all services through the wireless network within the next few hours should wired issues persist.
All classes are proceeding as scheduled and all campus services remain operational and open for in-person business.
We will provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your patience as we work to resolve this issue.
Rory O’Connor has resigned from his position as Head Coach of the Women’s Soccer program, effective immediately, due to personal reasons.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Coach O’Connor for his dedication and contributions. His leadership and commitment were key in rebuilding our program.
In the interim, Obed Kouassi has been appointed as Head Coach for the 2025–26 season. Coach Kouassi brings a wealth of experience and passion for the game, and we are confident in his ability to guide the team forward.
We wish Coach O’Connor all the best in his future endeavors and look forward to the upcoming season under Coach Kouassi’s leadership
Shoreline Community College has been awarded a $697,300 grant through the Supporting Student Veterans and Their Families initiative, funded by the King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy. In partnership with the nonprofit Operation Military Family, Shoreline will launch the Veteran Success Through Education program, a two-year pilot effort to provide holistic support for veterans and their families, particularly those from marginalized communities.
The grant, which spans from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, will support culturally responsive case management, academic and financial assistance, and comprehensive wraparound services for eligible students.
“This is an opportunity to serve veterans who may be navigating the complexities of higher education without access to, or who have exceeded traditional VA benefits,” said Derek Levy, Dean of Student Support & Success at Shoreline. “We’re excited to expand the services and supports we can offer to our veteran student community, both current and prospective, providing access and wraparound support in collaboration with Operation Military Family through the support of the King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy.”
The Veteran Success Through Education program will focus on serving veterans from underrepresented communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, formerly incarcerated veterans, and those who have exhausted or are not eligible for VA benefits. Operation Military Family will provide individualized case management, both remotely and on campus, and help connect Shoreline with veterans in need through an established network across the region.
Funding from the grant will enable Shoreline to assist with tuition, incidental expenses, and housing assistance for eligible students based on need. Participants will also have full access to Shoreline’s robust student support services, including dedicated Veterans services and academic advising.
“Through the Veteran Success Through Education program, we are honored to support those who have served our country, especially veterans from historically underserved communities, by providing the resources, guidance, and community they need to thrive in their academic and personal journeys,” said Ryan Aiello, Shoreline’s Vice President of Student Affairs.
The grant builds on Shoreline’s growing efforts to provide inclusive, equitable access to education and serves as a bridge for those who may be seeking a new path after military service.
Joshua Salois, Program Specialist II who works primarily with Shoreline’s Veterans population, had this to say about the grant. “I’m excited for us to have the opportunity to support even more student Veterans and family members; especially folks coming from marginalized and often vulnerable populations. Even something seemingly small, like getting a professional certificate, can be so empowering and transformative, so for our program to have more ability to give that chance to those who may not have otherwise had it is just really amazing.”
As a pilot program, Veteran Success Through Education will run through June 2027 with the potential to inform and expand future support for veteran students across King County.
Shoreline Community College is pleased to welcome Tsai-En Cheng as the new Dean of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in STEM, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience in higher education, workforce development, and cross-sector partnerships. Tsai-En is known for her student-centered, equity-driven approach and her ability to build meaningful collaborations between education, industry, and community. She will begin her new role at Shoreline on September 1, 2025.
Most recently, Dean Cheng served as Dean of Branch Locations for Academic and Program Development and Interim Dean of Instruction for the Technology Division at Green River College, where she led a broad portfolio of credit and non-credit programs across multiple campuses, including three branch locations, Corporate and Community Continuing Education, the Washington Environmental Training Center (WETRC), and the Small Business Center. Her leadership helped grow industry-aligned programs in areas such as cybersecurity, aviation, software development, manufacturing, natural resources, and nursing, often in direct response to regional workforce needs.
A first-generation college student and adult immigrant, Cheng draws from her own educational journey to champion access and innovation. She has led efforts to bridge English language learners into technical careers, developed teacher training programs in aerospace education in partnership with the University of Washington and the City of Kent, and co-created a community-driven Automotive Pathway with the Auburn School District. She has also served as a Economic Development Council member for the city of Maple Valley, a longstanding board member of the Continuing Education Council, a newly elected vice chair of the Baccalaureate Leadership Council, an advisory board member to the Seattle Universal Math Museum, and board member for Auburn Symphony Orchestra.
“What excites me most about joining Shoreline is the opportunity to work alongside faculty, students, and community partners to strengthen the pathways between education and meaningful careers. CTE and STEM programs don’t just prepare students for jobs, they empower students to see what’s possible for their future. I’m honored to support that work.”
Dean Cheng’s background spans ESL instruction, film and media, business etiquette, curriculum design, and faculty development, and she has led teacher training programs both domestically and internationally. She was also a key leader in Washington State’s Transparency in Learning and Teaching initiative and has over a decade of experience in program assessment and strategic planning.
Outside of work, Tsai-En enjoys walking in the woods and traveling with her family, attending symphony performances, volunteering for disaster relief efforts, and building tiny homes for community outreach projects.
