For the past three years, The Hub, a higher education center located in Federal Way, Wash., has attempted to bridge educational gaps by supporting Highline students, running start students through Federal Way Public schools, as well as working adults looking for continuing education.
“Through a partnership with Highline College, the University of Washington Tacoma, the City of Federal Way and Federal Way Public Schools, The Hub provides access to post-secondary and adult education to the Federal Way community,” states The Hub’s website.
As we reach the enrollment period for spring quarter, it is only right to shed some light on the Highline Hub. The Hub is a branch of Highline’s classroom offerings and an opportunity for those who a traditional campus structure doesn’t provide the necessary support.
“The Hub is a small branch campus of Highline College, located in Federal Way. We strive for social justice and empower learners of all cultures, identities, and abilities to pursue their educational goals in a supportive, collaborative, community-driven environment,” explains Tammy Hauge, Program Manager and Director at The Hub.
The Hub has been in operation for about three years, and Hauge gave some insight on why the Hub was originally created.
“Several years ago, the city of Federal Way, with help from a research firm, discovered that people living in Federal Way, 25 and older, had a lower instance of secondary degrees and certificates, than those in surrounding geographies,” Hauge said.
When the Hub was originally opened in 2021, Federal Way – a city of approximately 96,605 people – only about 27% (or 26,083) of Federal Way’s population age 25 or older had a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to the United States Census Bureau.
“To address that education gap, the city, and some other partners, including Highline College, decided to establish a facility within the city proper, to bring education directly to the people living there,” said Hauge.
The plan to bring higher education to Federal Way has been working, and the Hub has been growing ever since. During their first ever quarter open, they only had 25 student seats filled. Fast forward to now where in “Fall ’24 we had 448 seats filled…Our growth has been wonderful!” Hauge said. “We’ve been able to do a lot in a short amount of time.”
As for the classes offered at the Hub, it would be no different than what you would see at Highline College’s main campus, focusing on the more high-demand classes.
“We usually always have English 101 and/or 102, communications classes, a variety of math and math plus classes, psychology classes, geology and/or environmental science classes, as well as a few others. We also offer evening ESOL classes each quarter,” said Hauge.
Hauge says that “Because of our location, we also tend to support a lot of Running Start students within the Federal Way Public Schools, so classes that meet their needs are well-enrolled.”
You can find all of the courses offered by viewing the Hub’s location in Highline’s class schedule.
The goal is to expand the reach of The Hub, because although they cater mainly towards the Federal Way schools, that’s only because most of the other students that are enrolled in Highline College don’t know that The Hub is an option.
“Most of our students are on the front-end of their educational journeys, so classes that are more specific to a certain degree may be difficult to fill, simply because we can’t offer as many sections, or have fewer students seeking degree-specific classes, that live close to The Hub,” said Hauge.
So, if you live closer to the Federal Way area, or the commute to Highline College is a daily endeavor, take a look at the many options offered at the Hub!
But wait, why choose the Hub?
“The Hub offers a smaller environment than our main campus counterpart,” Hauge said. The benefits of this being more one-on-one with the teachers and students, and a closer community between staff and students.
“In addition to the classes we offer, there are staff members available to address general questions, offer entry advising, and connect students to main campus student services. This can benefit students that aren’t as familiar with higher education and would like to start in less overwhelming surroundings.”
It’s no secret that college can be stressful, and if a student feels like a big campus with relatively large classes like Highline College is just too much, The Hub has smaller classes and perhaps a warmer, more relaxed environment.
“Additionally, our smaller site may benefit folks with certain disabilities or diverse neurotypes,” said Hauge. “We also offer a convenient location for folks that live in Federal Way or further south. We’re just something a little different.”
If anything, remember that The Hub is there, and it is an option. They have day classes and later evening classes. They are open from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Fridays.
“If our location is more convenient, or you prefer a smaller, quieter environment, we may be just what you’re looking for,” said Hauge. “Even if you aren’t taking classes at The Hub, as a Highline student, you are still welcome to visit our site to study or ask questions of our staff. Please check us out and let us know if you have any questions.”
