Education
MDC Education programs help students prepare and succeed in graduation from college through the delivery of targeted services to empower personal, academic, and professional growth.
Completing a financial aid application is a critical first step for any high school senior seeking financial support for college or career training. Yet in Washington State, only about half of public high school graduates complete this step—placing us among the lowest in the nation for financial aid application rates.
At the same time, the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) projects that by 2023, our state will need 185,000 additional adults aged 25–34 to earn a postsecondary credential to meet workforce demands—nearly 50% more than currently expected to complete. This highlights an urgent need to support both traditional and non-traditional learners in accessing education and training opportunities.
MDC increases access to postsecondary education and career training so that Washington residents—especially low-income, first-generation, and adult learners—can gain the skills needed for jobs that provide economic stability and support for their families.
Youth Education
Our goal is to prepare students for college, and to help them become healthy, well-rounded, and empowered individuals. MDC’s Upward Bound program, funded by TRiO, serves students at four Tacoma Public Schools – Foss High School, Lincoln High School, Mount Tahoma High School, and Stadium High School. It also serves students at Spanaway Lake High School.
Continuing education
At MDC, we believe education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. The Educational Opportunity Center helps first-generation college students and adult learners take the next step through personalized support, career exploration, and access to financial aid and training programs. Whether you’re returning to school or exploring college for the first time, we’re here to help you navigate the path forward.