MATT DRISCOLL: GRANT WRITING 101 >>>

If Bates Technical College in Tacoma doesn’t offer a grant writing program, they probably should. It seems they’re pretty good at it.

Bates just sent out a letter to all press types in the area with the news that several recent grants the school has received are going to change and improve the work the technical college is able to do.

Thanks to a grant from the state, on May 1 Bates will begin implementing IBEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skill Training) into their career education programs. Basically, IBEST allows qualified basic skills students to complete basic education, get their GEDs and learn English as second language while at the same time working towards a degree from Bates and preparing for employment.

“Basic skills students often struggle to follow lectures and textbook assignments in the technical classroom.  In the I-BEST program, basic skills instructors and career education faculty will work together to integrate basic skills competencies into technical programs to better ensure student success,” says the press release. “Many of Bates programs require trades-related skills, such as welding.  In the I-BEST program, students can concentrate on improving their math skills while acquiring welding competencies and apply those credits toward a certificate and degree to transition more easily into a skilled trade such as machining, welding, boat building,  sheet metal or  HVAC maintenance.”

Bates also announced today that they’ve received an opportunity grant from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges that will allow the school to offer a second full-time swing-shift machinists program beginning in the Fall 2008 quarter. This grant is designed to allow low income adults receive training intended to lead to high demand jobs.

A third and similar grant will go towards supporting low income adults enrolled in Bates’ welding, facilities maintenance engineer and truck driving programs â€" all considered fields of high demand.