September 27, 2021 was an auspicious day for Highline College. It heralded the start of fall quarter, and the opening of The Hub: Federal Way Education Center.
The opening was no mean feat considering it was at the height of COVID-19 and all the challenges it entailed. And yet, the center has gone from strength to strength ever since.
The Hub is a small branch of Highline’s Des Moines campus and is a collaborative partnership between Highline College, the University of Washington Tacoma, the City of Federal Way, and Federal Way Public Schools.
While The Hub is conveniently located for students who live in Federal Way, it’s available to all Highline College students who want access to student services, study spaces, computer labs and Highline College classes—many of which are credited.
Tammy Hauge, director of The Hub wants potential students to know there isn’t just one way to approach education. She said Highline is willing to meet students where they’re at, by providing an alternative to the main campus.
“Our location is a smaller environment with just a few, regular staff that students can quickly become familiar with,” Hauge said.
In fact, it’s that very environment that attracted Highline College nursing student, Matilda Ansah, to taking classes at The Hub.
“It’s a space where I feel motivated to stay on track with my work. One of the biggest benefits has been the support system—whether it is the helpful staff, access to resources, or just being around other students who are also working hard,” Ansah said. “It creates a positive atmosphere that encourages me to keep pushing forward.”
Jenée Stanfield, entry and support specialist, said the center provides a launch pad for students starting their college journey.
Her role is similar to that of an entry advisor on Highline’s main campus, whereby she offers placement assessments and helps students with navigating the enrollment and onboarding process. Of note, compared to the main campus, she offers longer appointment times, which she says are helpful for students who need extra support.
As for the kinds of credited classes available at The Hub—Stanfield noted, “when building our schedule, we prioritize high-demand general education Highline College courses. Ones that students, across many Highline pathways, would take in their first few quarters in college.”
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes are also held at The Hub. There’s a large population of Running Start students from Federal Way Public Schools. Additionally, many working adult learners take evening classes there.
Along with the supportive, welcoming environment The Hub offers resources and information to help students succeed.
“Approaching higher education is full of roadblocks, so knowing that we are helping folks in a way that makes them feel secure and confident means we’re removing some of those obstacles,” Hauge said.
For Ansah, the smaller class sizes has allowed her to join peers before class to problem solve and learn together.
“That small group has really become a big part of my learning experience,” she said. “We support each other, share ideas, and help each other understand difficult topics.”