About 50 people attended the welding department’s open house on the evening of April 28. Students and faculty were on hand to demonstrate welding techniques and to answer questions about the program.

Some high school students who visited the welding open house had attended the college’s CTE programs showcase event with their high schools on April 18. This event gave those students the opportunity to return with their parents to have a close-up look at Clark’s welding program. Professors gave informal tours, and current welding students provided hands-on welding practice and metal bending. Clark’s welding students also answered questions about their experiences studying welding at Clark.

The median hourly wage for a welder in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties is $23.49, and the median annual wage is $48,856, according to Washington Department of Employment Security Data Department/Data Division.

Clark College’s welding program offers five welding certificate programs and an Associate in Applied Technology degree in Welding Technologies, a two-year degree. Some welding courses are offered in the evening to accommodate students with daytime jobs.

Those interested in enrolling in welding are encouraged to begin the program in the summer, and start with blueprinting, a class that introduces students to the lab and program. This also gives the students an opportunity to get to know each other. Classes start the evening of July 10. To get started, contact the Welcome Center. Students who cannot start in the summer may start any term.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

More than 125 people attended the Black Student and Family Fair in Gaiser Student Center on April 15. Although most students were of high school age, middle school and elementary students also attended. It was the first time Clark College held this event, a partnership of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Guided Pathways.

This free event was designed to introduce Black students of all ages, their families and community to Clark College as a pathway to college, careers and beyond. Students and their families attended workshops, learned about Running Start, programs at Clark and career opportunities. Elementary and middle school students visited the college’s STEM Building and attended a workshop by Girls Inc. Students also learned about community resources available through WorkSource Vancouver, Gear Up, NAACP and more.

Speakers included Clark College President, Dr. Karin Edwards, Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Michelle Cruse and guest musician and keynote speaker, Chibia.

The event also celebrated the unique experiences of Black culture through food, music and the arts.

“It was a joy to have Black students and their families on campus in an intentional space of belonging,” said Nicole Harris, Director of Student Equity and Inclusion. “The fair provided a cultural representation for the Black community through art, dance, music and storytelling.”

Entertainment included SEI Elite Dancers: Cuff It Challenge (center bottom photo) and a Kid Zone featuring face painting and games (Nikki Brown Clown, far right photo). Students received Clark College swag bags and had a chance to win door prizes and gift baskets. Light breakfast, lunch and refreshments were catered by Ja’Das Soul Eatz.

For some students, it was their first visit to Clark College or any college campus. Harris said, “A few students and family members told me it was their first time on campus, and that it was beautiful.”

Photos provided by Rosalba Pitkin and Amy Tam.