SVI moving forward after difficult changes

New vision focuses on growing enrollment in key programs

This past summer brought changes to Seattle Vocational Institute (SVI) that will allow this division of Seattle Central College to move forward on a sounder organizational foundation.

Due to long-term declines in student enrollment, painful cuts to the operating budget, including layoffs of faculty and staff, took place to stabilize SVI’s budget. The administration is also working to identify solutions to problems and issues with SVI’s building, which is in need of major repairs and renovations, with little funding available.

Growing enrollment and creating suitable space for teaching and learning are issues that will be best resolved by engaging the community and soliciting input and feedback from a variety of stakeholders, including students, employees, business leaders, elected officials and others.

A vision for the future is being formulated that will ensure SVI’s sustainability in the years to come. This includes strengthening and growing programs in healthcare, technology, construction and high school completion, which will ensure students are receiving the training they need to become qualified for living wage jobs.

“I strongly believe in SVI’s power to help people improve their lives and am dedicated to improving this vital institution so it can continue to serve future generations of students with effective education and training programs,” President Sheila Edwards Lange, Ph.D., said.