State Representative Ruth Kagi honored by Board of Trustees at Shoreline Community College

Rep. Ruth Kagi

Rep. Ruth Kagi was honored at the October 27 Board of Trustees meeting at Shoreline Community College for her support of students. Board Chair Jerry Smith read Resolution No. 115, which recognizes Kagi for her support of higher education and young people and for her vision and leadership that resulted in legislation that solidified funding for the education of at risk youth in the Career Education Options (CEO) program at the college.

The CEO program offers out-of-school youth (16 to 21 years of age) who do not have a high school diploma the chance to return to school for education and training toward a certificate or degree in a professional-technical program. Students get college and work readiness skills and GED preparation as well as help with career exploration.

Previously funded by local school districts, the program at Shoreline was in jeopardy because the school districts that had supported it in the past had stopped supporting dropout reengagement programs due to lack of clarity in state laws and in the rules that govern the contracts.

Kagi, a member of the college’s Foundation Board and a long-time supporter of Shoreline Community College, began working to reintroduce the bill in 2009 and in March 2010 reintroduced House Bill 1418 which gives school districts authority to contract with colleges, community-based organizations and other education providers to provide educational services to students who qualify. Kagi also testified with college officials and students before the House Education Committee. The bill became law in March of 2010.

President Lee Lambert and the trustees thanked Kagi for her tireless work on behalf of students.