Olympic College received a $474,357 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Undergraduate Education under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076), awarded October 1, 2025, with completion targeted for September 30, 2028. The grant funds initiatives to enhance Computer Information Systems (CIS) education and increase graduation rates in the Bremerton, Washington region to address critical IT workforce shortages. Key deliverables include development and integration of experiential learning opportunities into the college's CIS Associate Degree programs, establishment of a multi-quarter work experience course engaging students in real-world projects addressing Olympic College's internal information system needs, and expansion of dual-credit CIS offerings through partnerships with local high schools.
The project will produce updated CIS curriculum, targeted outreach materials and recruitment initiatives to increase enrollment in associate degree programs, and partnerships with external organizations to adapt successful bachelor's-level programs to the associate degree level. These integrated program components are designed to improve the pipeline from secondary education to college enrollment while ensuring students gain practical work experience and skills aligned with regional workforce demands in advanced technology fields.