Highline’s Women’s Program and Work First are designed to address specific issues or challenges that women face, varying from their personal to their professional lives.
There are two departments within the program: Women’s Program and Work First. These programs are formulated for the health and well-being of those in need according to their physical and emotional needs.
The Women’s Program helps with sustaining their basic needs. They also help many students in earning academic credentials and creating a safe environment.
“We provide the various facilities and amenities to the students who are deprived from the basic necessities,” said Tina Ngo, the director of the Women’s Program and Work First.
The Women’s Program and Work First helps students with low income and those who struggle with paying their tuition fee at Highline. Because of this program, students are able to access successful job positions after graduating.
Funds are also provided for students through the Department of Social and Health Services. Cash assistance is provided through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Students.
Students may find support during their time at Highline with financial assistance for tuition, but also outside of school to stay healthy, according to Ngo.
“We help the students with books and non-academic services too,” Ngo said. “The non-academic services include the amenities for personal hygiene and interview clothing too.”
Moreover, Ngo also said if students are facing domestic violence or dealing with homelessness, that they can come to the Women’s Program for help providing shelters. Helping students find safe shelter is one of the many ways they provide care for their students. Ngo said they have teamed up with nearby hotels to make this a possibility.
Furthermore, they are also working on the Show and Wish program, where they are stepping forward to build their own apartments for Highline students.
The name Women’s Program may confuse some of their target audience, but the program also provides assistance to men, non-binary, and transgender individuals as well. These programs are willing to help anyone in vulnerable positions who may need support.
The programs that they currently have running are: Leading with Love, Mental Health, and Wellness Series.
For any questions regarding the program’s resources, check out the office on the lower floor of Building six from Monday through Friday (hours may vary.) There are also online one-on-one sessions available and daily emails from Program Manager Alycia Williams, sent with information on the events they have going on.
For more information about the Women’s Program and Work First at Highline, you may click here: Women’s Program and Work First.
