Recognizes the vital importance to the state's economic prosperity and the economic benefit of placing a priority on enrolling and conferring degrees upon students in the fields of engineering, technology, biotechnology, science, computer science, and mathematics.

Declares an intent to promote increased access, delivery models, enrollment slots, and degree opportunities in the fields of engineering, technology, biotechnology, sciences, computer sciences, and mathematics. It is recognized that these areas of study and training are integrally linked to ensuring that Washington state's economy can compete nationally and globally in the twenty-first century marketplace. It is also recognized that community colleges play a unique role in supporting degree attainment in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through the development of transferable curricula and the maintenance of viable articulation agreements with both public and private universities.