Director's Message
April is National Community College Month! This month we'll be spreading the word about Kalamazoo Valley - that we should be the first choice for many college-bound students because our college is so caring, inclusive and affordable. But that's not all! We are vital to our local and state economies. For more than 58 years, Kalamazoo Valley has been at the forefront of change and at the workforce and economic development table, collaborating with local, regional and state partners to create innovative educational programs that fuel the economy.
That means that your generous contributions that help our students complete their studies are also strengthening our local economy. By lifting up a student, you're impacting our region. Thank you!
Alisha Siebers
Associate Vice President for College Advancement
and Executive Director for the KVCC Foundation asiebers@kvcc.edu
269.488.4821
April is Community College Month In celebration and acknowledgement of community colleges across the nation and their importance, here are some interesting facts:
The first community college to be established in the United States was Joliet, located in Illinois. It was founded in 1901 by William Rainey Harper, president of the University of Chicago.
According to the American Association of Community Colleges, there are currently more than 1,000 community colleges in the U.S., with more than 90% of them being public institutions.
The average annual tuition and fees at a community college are $3,800 compared to $10,740 for in-state students attending a public 4-year college.
About 6.2 million students are enrolled in community colleges: 2.2 million full-time, and 4 million on a part-time basis.
The economic payoff from earning an associate's degree is considerable. The median annual salary for a full-time worker with an associate's degree is about $8,000 more than the average pay for a full-time worker with only a high school diploma.
General Charitable Giving Statistics
30% of annual giving occurs in December.
10% of annual giving occurs on the last 3 days of the year.
77% believe everyone can make a difference by supporting causes.
4.5 is the average number of charities each person supports.
64% of donations are made by women.
69% of the population gives.
Tour of the Food Innovation Center
ValleyHUB is a farm, food hub, and education center based at the Food Innovation Center at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The Urban Farm at ValleyHUB showcases a range of sustainable agricultural practices. The five-acre site includes an indoor grow room, a heated greenhouse, outdoor raised beds, and two passive solar hoophouses. The Food Hub is a licensed food processing facility equipped to produce fresh-cut fruits and vegetables at a range of production scales. Join us on this *FREE* tour to explore our beautiful site, and learn about our programs and practices. Sign up here
You're Invited to the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Alumni 501 Event
April 16 | 5 p.m.
Hosted by the KVCC Foundation and Alumni Committee Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building
418 E. Walnut Street, Kalamazoo
Featuring food and beverages created by
Kalamazoo Valley Culinary and Brewery Students.
Presentation of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award to
Rose Mary Wood.
Reservations are not required.
Beverages will be available for purchase. Food is complementary.
Please join us!
Register Now for Kalamazoo Valley Youth Summer Camps Looking for some summer fun for your children? Explore Kalamazoo Valley's wide variety of youth summer camps. From athletics to hands-on learning, there's plenty at Kalamazoo Valley to keep kids busy all summer long! Click here to register and learn more.
Update Your Contact Information Have you moved? Changed your name or have a different email address? If you have new contact information, please take a moment and complete the Information Update form. Help us stay in touch with you by submitting your online contact form.
Staff Support If we can be of any assistance to you please give us a call.
