Next month colleges around the country will be recognizing first-generation students. November 8 is the day when Yakima Valley College will join colleges across the United States in participating in the National First-Generation College Celebration.

The celebration continues all the month of November at YVC

But throughout the month YVC officials plan to celebrate the success of first-generation students. President Linda Kaminski says since the start of the school one of the "pillars" of the school's identity has been in supporting the dreams and goals of first-generation college students. In fact Kaminski says “as a first-generation student myself, I know first-hand the challenges, trepidation and barriers faced by students navigating the requirements of attending college without being able to draw on the experience of a family member."

Help for first time college students will be available

School officials say throughout the month of November, December, January and February YVC is also hosting a series of virtual financial aid workshops to help first-generation students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). Workshops will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on November 10 and 17, 2021; December 8, 2021; January 12 and 26, 2022; and February 9 and 23, 2022. Volunteers will be available to help answer questions and breakout rooms will be used to review personal information. Register online for the workshops.

Students return to campus for winter quarter

Meanwhile the school is still dealing with challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. This winter quarter school officials say "Yakima Valley College will offer about one-third of classes in either a fully on-campus or hybrid format as it continues to phase-in more face-to-face instruction. Numerous online class options will continue to be available in winter quarter for those who prefer that option."

Students returning to class will have some requirements

Students enrolling in a class that has in-person interaction at YVC, will be required to follow these steps for visiting campus and attending class:

    Complete COVID-19 training. This is generally conducted within the student’s class or via Canvas.
    For each visit, students must complete a health screening on or before their arrival and when they depart campus.
    All students must wear masks while on campus, regardless of vaccination status.
    While indoors, students must observe 3-foot physical distancing.

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