Thank you for last weeks article (July 13 issue) reminding readers about Grays Harbor Colleges Columbia Education Center in Ilwaco. We are proud to be serving the Long Beach Peninsula area with convenient access to courses that lead to associate degrees and college credits that transfer on to four-year universities. The college also provides basic skills classes, GED readiness and testing, English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, plus many community education classes, all at our Ilwaco location.

    We continue to enthusiastically celebrate the success of our students at the Columbia Education Center in Ilwaco. Each spring, we honor those who have earned GEDs and others who have received vocational certificates. Plus, we award associate degrees to many others, often accomplished by enrolling in classes only at the Ilwaco center and never actually coming to our main campus in Aberdeen. The quality of our programs in Ilwaco is of the highest caliber and we are convinced that the educational services we offer are indeed essential for the quality of life residents enjoy in the Long Beach Peninsula area.

    Fluctuations in enrollment numbers are inherent with the business of operating a college or a community education center, for that matter. Learning styles and opportunities are changing as fast as the world of technology is changing. Students who once only sat in rows of desks in classroom structures now might be attending classes in their living rooms using laptops. Younger students earn college credits while still in high school and can even graduate with both a high school diploma and two-year degree simultaneously.  At the same time, individuals who have lost their jobs head back to the college for retraining and new career directions. Another population of students transition in and then out of our ESL program as they gain these important language skills.

    Tuition for all GHC students will increase as the 2011-12 school year begins. While we are concerned that this increase may cause additional hurdles, our students have access to a full range of financial aid funding if they quality, plus they may be eligible for scholarships through the Grays Harbor College Foundation.  Everyone at GHC is committed to removing obstacles that keep students from realizing their educational dreams.

    Grays Harbor College just marked its 80th-year milestone, although our presence in Ilwaco/Long Beach began closer to 40-plus years ago. Clearly, the college proudly will continue to be part of this community for years to come.  Drop by our Columbia Education Center in Ilwaco and see how we can help you! (The Center is located at 208 Advent Ave. SE, Ilwaco; 642-9433; www.ghc.edu/columbia ; managed by Teri Dodson, tdodson@ghc.edu; and open Mondays through Thursdays 8 a.m. to noon during the summer. )