COTR delivers accessible education through a classroom on wheels

Accessible post-secondary education is spreading among Basin communities. Instead of transportation bringing students to class, a partnership between Columbia Basin Trust and College of the Rockies (COTR) is bringing classes to students.

In an effort to elevate and diversify the college experience for students, COTR introduced an innovative mobile classroom in 2023.

The 25-foot, multi-purpose classroom on wheels addresses barriers to education by bringing communities, students, instructors and residents together for workforce training, recruitment and outreach activities.

For example, the mobile classroom rolled into Creston for its annual Blossom Festival in May 2024, a spring celebration of the town’s centennial birthday.

The college’s Creston campus hosted the mobile classroom to showcase its many offerings, including providing the opportunity to try out mini-courses and information sessions on how to apply to and prepare for college. The new COTR mascot, Digger the Dog, was even on hand to welcome prospective students.

“Through this significant investment in College of the Rockies, the Trust is supporting the success of our students and communities in the region,” said Paul Vogt, COTR President and CEO.

“This exciting expansion of our partnership will boost applied and work-integrated learning, industry engagement and new program development opportunities that support our students and, in turn, our regional economy.”

Lead image: The mobile classroom offers a variety of options, including mini-courses and information sessions. Photos submitted

Columbia Basin Trust

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