[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 29 (Friday, February 24, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIGHLINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 24, 2012

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th 
anniversary of Highline Community College, which is located in Des 
Moines, Washington, south of Seattle.
  Highline was founded in 1961 as the first community college in King 
County. Since then, it has served as Washington state's most diverse 
community college, educating over 17,000 students, of which almost two-
thirds are students of color.
  Today, Highline serves as the hub of innovative education and 
training opportunities, supporting students, the community, and the 
King County economy. In 2010 alone, Highline supported 800 local 
entrepreneurs through programs and services, helped launch 12 new 
businesses, and generated $9 million in investments. International 
students bring an additional $7.7 million to King County's economy 
annually.
  As the co-chair of the Congressional Indonesia Caucus, I have been 
following Highline's State Department-funded initiative with Indonesian 
community colleges with particular interest. Indonesia is home to over 
230 million people and faces acute challenges in making education 
accessible for all. Highline's work is important in that regard.
  As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Highline Community College, I 
want to express my strong support for Highline's commitment to 
education and in ushering students toward a pathway to the American 
Dream. Thank you.

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