WHEREAS, The Independent Colleges of Washington is a nonprofit organization composed of ten independent nonprofit liberal arts colleges that provide educational opportunity, choice, and success to 40,000 students, two-thirds of whom are Washington residents; and
     WHEREAS, ICW is passionate about ensuring students enjoy maximum access to a transformative educational experience from a diverse and affordable set of options, in keeping with its vision of providing Washington with college graduates who are critical thinkers, ethical leaders, and engaged citizens by virtue of a rigorous education grounded in the liberal arts; and
     WHEREAS, ICW member colleges produce one in five baccalaureate and advanced degrees conferred in Washington at a cost to the state of just two percent of the higher education budget, all in the form of student financial assistance; and
     WHEREAS, ICW member colleges produce 35 percent of math degrees awarded in Washington, 23 percent of science degrees, 20 percent of engineering degrees, and 34 percent of nursing degrees in Washington, helping the state address the need for more degrees in high-demand fields of study; and
     WHEREAS, ICW colleges employ 7,000 people, contribute nearly $2.5 billion to state and local economies, and provide communities in Washington with over 500,000 hours of volunteer service each year; and
     WHEREAS, ICW colleges provide access to high quality, rigorous higher education opportunities, enrolling a diverse population of students, including 25 percent first-generation and 31 percent low-income students; and
     WHEREAS, ICW colleges are providing over $324 million in grant aid to students this academic year to help keep college affordable for students and their families; and
     WHEREAS, ICW raised over $1.3 million in 2011 and 2012 to fund scholarships for students attending ICW member colleges, further supporting access to higher education for students; and
     WHEREAS, Since November 30, 1953, ICW has served member colleges and their students and has worked to improve collaborative partnerships among the colleges, with the State of Washington, and with Washington's public colleges and universities, thus earning the motto "Better Together: Partners in Student Success for 60 Years";
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives congratulate the Independent Colleges of Washington on the occasion of its 60th anniversary and commend the Independent Colleges of Washington for its excellent service to the State and its tireless efforts to support students and to strengthen all sectors of the higher education system in Washington.