The Rotary Club of West Seattle has built a longstanding relationship with South Seattle College. Some of our members have even been employed by the college, and some have served on the board of trustees. A generous endowment allows the Club to provide resources. As examples, our Club funded the purchase of a high end French oven for the culinary department, and this fall we will plant and dedicate a Peace Pole on the campus featuring languages chosen by the student body.
In addition, the Club awards Automotive Technology students four scholarships each year (Earl Cruzen Scholarships). We give them boxes of essential tools of the trade. Our Vocational chair meets the students in the program on campus and introduces the scholarships available to them. He then chooses students to receive the tools and presents their awards at our Club meeting each year. Many recipients have also attended our meetings to report back on the value and benefit these scholarships have provided – giving them the tools to pursue the work they love.
Our speakers this past week included four educators on staff of the Automotive Technology Program. They gave us a detailed overview of the curriculum and described student opportunities through their study in this field at the college. They acknowledged our Club’s interest and support and gave us more ideas on ways to help.
