Renton Technical College invited the community to campus for its “Open Door Festival” Thursday to sample programs at information booths and enjoy entertainment, food and games in the courtyard.
City Councilman Randy Corman addressed the large crowd of people who turned out for the open house, remarking on the many diverse communities the college serves. Students stopped between classes to enjoy breakdancing from the Massive Monkees, a lion dance performance from the International Lion Dance and Martial Arts Team, Tian Yuan Li’s sword-dancing from Northwest Wushu and a hip-hop dance demonstration.
The student population of RTC is diverse, with more than half of the population being people of color. The student body is very similar to Renton’s city-wide population with a make up of 46 percent white, 19 precent Asian, Pacific Islander and Hawaiian, 16 percent African American, 14 percent Latino, 4 percent other and 1 percent Native American.
Next year for the first time student clubs will be offered on campus. RTC is the last of the 34 community colleges in the state to establish a student government and student clubs.
The RTC student government was created two years ago, thanks to a push from Steve Hanson, college president, Christy Hernandez said.
She is the found student government president. Hernandez feels there was never much interest in having a student government, clubs or student body presence before because the average RTC student is a 32-year-old single mother.
More recently, students have shown great interest in student life activities on campus, Hernandez said.
The college still seems to remain popular for those looking to make a change or advance in their careers.
Kara Mirante, a first-year surgical technology student, chose RTC because of her interest in the field and the school’s shortened program.
RTC’s surgical technology program is one year, with 27 credits each quarter and practical experience at area hospitals. Mirante chose the program because at other schools it’s a two-year endeavor.
“There’s a lot we’re expected to learn, but if this is your passion then all the studying is worth it,” she said.
In July, the Maple Valley resident is looking forward to putting her skills to practice in the clinical portion of the program. Students get to help with delivery and labor at local hospitals.
Classes for the culinary arts, dental assistant and massage therapy programs are in high demand at RTC. Often these particular programs have waiting lists. While other programs such as the automotive, office management, legal assistant and survey technician departments need students.
“The need for surveyors in Washington state is a growing problem, as most of the licensed surveyors are over the age of 55,” said Kendra Smith, RTC spokesperson.
The celebration on campus continues on until 8 p.m. Thursday night to catch the night students.
