Columbia Basin College

Columbia Basin College has been serving the Tri-Cities and its outlying communities since 1955. It is committed to working with its students and local employers to ensure it is providing the education and resources and that are needed. The college offers more than 100 degree programs, including seven four-year degrees, and low student-to-teacher ratios.

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Our Support

CBC Educational Partner

Bechtel has been a longtime partner with Columbia Basin College, donating more than $750,000 to fund capital projects, equipment, and scholarships, as well as providing volunteers and foundation board members. Bechtel contributed $125,000 to the Washington Institute for Science Education (WISE) campaign, which led to the Lee R. Thornton Center for Science, Diversity, and Technology being built.

CBC plaque
The Geology Lab in the Lee Thornton Center for Science, Diversity, and Technology

CBC Planetarium Founding Donor

Bechtel donated $100,000 in 2012 to help build the planetarium as part of its ongoing support of Columbia Basin College and STEM education. The Bechtel National Planetarium at Columbia Basin College opened to the public in December 2012 and, in the first six years of operation, hosted more than 120,000 visitors. About 40 percent of those were a mix of local elementary and high school students.

Bechtel Planetarium, 2012

CBC Power of Connection Sponsor

Bechtel was the Platinum Hawk sponsor for Columbia Basin College's Power of Connection event in 2022 and sponsored the event for five years.

CBC Veteran's Center Donor

In 2021 and 2022, Bechtel donated to the Columbia Basin College Veteran's Center golf tournament.

CBC Welding Donor

In 2011, Bechtel donated $30,000 to the Columbia Basin College welding program as part of its efforts to grow the next generation of workers. The money was used to purchase four Victor track torches, a vertical belt sander, and five welders.

CBC welding equipment, 2011

CBC Scholarship Sponsor, Bechtel Women's Group

The Bechtel Women's Group awarded multiple $1,000 scholarships to Bechtel employees and their families who attended Columbia Basin College.