Evolve Initiative
College Spark Washington and the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) have partnered to launch the Evolve Initiative to support thriving equitable systems.
The Evolve Initiative aims to nurture equity-focused systems change that helps to create an environment where formal and informal leaders across all levels of the community college system – including leaders of color who face barriers and discrimination – are supported and thriving. The goal aligns efforts across the Washington community and technical college system to foster anti-racist leadership and institutions, responding to the unique voices, challenges, and needs of formal and informal equity leaders throughout the educational system.
“We are looking to help create whole-college transformation by building capacity for equity-focused systems change in ways that improve relationships, interactions, practices, and policies that shape the college culture and experience,” said Warren Brown, chief executive officer of College Spark Washington, of the holistic approach.
Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges serve 273,000 students each year, half of whom are students of color.
Community Driven Strategies
Initiative efforts, guided by a thirty-member Advisory Committee made of equity leaders from all levels across the state, are being refined and developed with plans to disburse grant funds to support these strategies in 2026. Preliminary approaches include:
- Grounding all initiative strategies in a liberatory framework that advances system change and builds system capacity to dismantle the harmful effects of racism
- Supporting the colleges that are leading the way in addressing discrimination and advancing equity
- Building sustainable networks
- Addressing bias in supervisory and HR practices
- Growing the skills and capacity of informal leaders across the system with an emphasis on leading for student success and equitable system change
“More than ever, equitable systems are paramount to creating a diverse and inclusive future—and it starts with leaders. The Evolve Initiative is dedicated to supporting leaders from all levels to break down systemic barriers and foster equitable growth opportunities. In doing so, we will shape a future where leaders don’t just succeed—they drive lasting change and open doors for others.”
For more information on this partnership and the initiative, please contact:
SBCTC Contact: MarcusAntonio Gunn – magunn@sbctc.edu
College Spark Washington Contact: Heather Gingerich – heather@collegespark.org