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Bates Technical College

COVID-19 Update

April 29, 2020

Thank You

Dear friends,

As we continue to navigate these challenging times, it is important to stay close to our mission and continue to honor our amazing students.

In light of the current uncertainties, I hope you will find inspiration from one of our class of 2020 graduates, as she shares her story to stay positive and on track to graduate.

Dear faculty, staff, and supporters of Bates Technical College,

I am a full-time student at Bates, enrolled in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program and due to graduate in March of 2021.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, I am also one of thousands of hospitality workers to have lost all work due to the unprecedented closures of all bars, restaurants, stadiums and event centers within Washington State.

As I, along with my fellow student/servers and bartenders, try to settle into and prepare for an uncertain financial future ahead, I can be thankful and appreciative that the reason we must do so is in necessity, and in an astounding attempt to protect our most vulnerable.

As a student entering into the healthcare field, it is now more evident than ever that healthcare workers are essential to the survival of all - our loved ones, our neighbors, our communities and ourselves. I am so reassured that my choice to pursue a career in healthcare, was the exact right one, and oddly, in the exact right time.

I am trying to stay positive and focused on the good things, including my education, and am grateful for all the bright moments that come each day.

Thank you for contributing to the continued success of students like myself, who, in this time of need, appreciate being recognized as deserving of a little extra support to keep our educational goals on track while having to navigate the uncharted realities of today.

All The Best,

OT student '20

I am so proud of our students for continuing on the path of technical education, and of the determination and agility of our faculty and staff who make it possible to host classes virtually.

Certainly in times as these, we cannot afford as a community to stop investing in the next generation of workforce employees.

As we hear stories such as those from the student above, who was able to receive financial assistance from the Student Emergency Assistance Fund to keep up with her living costs, I am reminded just how strong our Bates family is.

Thank you to all who keep working tirelessly to support the needs of our students and those who continue to financially donate to our emergency fund, which helps them stay on track.

Dr. Lin Zhou

President, Bates Technical College

Helping Students in Need

Often, when hard times hit, many students see dropping out of their program as the only way to focus their attention on competing priorities. We can help them stay on track by coming together in support of the Student Success Emergency Support Fund.

Donations to this fund go to support students who are in crisis and have no other financial support or safety net.

Please consider making a donation to the Student Success Emergency Support Fund. Through this fund, the Foundation can help more students and lessen the burden of financial strain our students face during these hard times.

If you would like to join us in supporting our students, you can donate here .

Virtual Commencement

There are few academic events more important or meaningful as a commencement ceremony. It’s the culmination of hard work, determination, joys and successes.

As COVID-19 continues to spread, affecting every aspect of our lives, we made the difficult decision to move Commencement to a virtual format.

Luckily, this means that you can join us from your home in celebration of the historic Class of 2020.

Date: Friday, June 12 at 6 p.m.

Where: YouTube

We hope you can help us celebrate the achievements and successes of the Class of 2020!

Thank You Pierce County Connected!

Our sincere thank you to our friends at Pierce County Connected who have made a $10,000 donation to our Emergency Assistance Fund! This will enable more students to receive financial assistance and focus on pursuing their educational goals.