Community College Statement

Statement from the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation

May 22, 2007: Boise - The J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation is extremely pleased with yesterday's successful election results to establish a community college district in the Treasure Valley.

"Treasure Valley community is to be commended for stepping forward to make history in the face of great need," said Lori Fisher, executive director of the J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation. "Those of us here today and generations to follow will benefit from the bold actions of those who went to the polls."

This is an important moment witnessed on only two other occasions in the history of this great state. The creation of the College of Western Idaho will open its doors almost 75 years after the establishment of Idaho's first community college -- North Idaho College in 1933 -- and almost 45 years after the formation of the College of Southern Idaho in 1964.

Community colleges are central to our way of life. They respond to the need for a highly skilled workforce, a strong economy, and an affordable path to postsecondary education. They are a resource to support lifelong learning, and they represent hope for those who want a chance at a better life. Like schools and libraries, they are indispensable to building and sustaining strong communities.

Yesterday's vote was a critical step forward in the J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation's work to increase access to high quality, affordable, comprehensive community college education in the Treasure Valley.

The J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation is proud to be part of a community of believers and do-ers, and look forward to the day when the doors of the College of Western Idaho officially open.