students walking out of building

Welcome to Student Engagement Services

What is Student Engagement Services?

The Pierce College District is committed to being an anti-racist institution; to truly be anti-racist we must work deliberately to eliminate barriers that have prevented the most promising and capable students from entering and thriving in college. We work to ensure that every student in the Pierce College District feels valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their goals. We provide a brave space for Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA2S/QTPOC, students with disabilities, veterans, and all students to seek refuge, and an opportunity for them to cultivate their strengths, intelligence, resilience, and creativity.

Who are we?

Student Engagement Services staff serve all students of Pierce College through multiple support programs and engagement services. Meet the Student Engagement Services team and learn more about what we do.

What do we do?

The Student Engagement Services division is a collection of institutional and grant supported programs, cultural affinity programs, student engagement resources, and student resource programs, that when combined, allow us to empower all students from their first steps on campus to graduation.  This work is made possible by providing all our students with opportunities to access, retain, and engage with college resources.

  • College Access: We are the gateway to Pierce College. We create access by using our community engagement programs, pathways programs, and grant programs to recruit new students. We work to eliminate hurdles and institutional barriers that prevent many students from starting college.
  • Retention: We provide holistic student support and retention. We are here to support students academically, professionally, and personally. We work collaboratively with other offices and departments on campus to ensure students have what they need to strive for and achieve excellence.
  • Engagement: We do all things engagement. We engage our diverse communities outside and inside of our college. We engage our students with endless leadership opportunities to develop themselves personally, academically, and professionally.  We believe that authentic engagement is critical to increasing a student's sense of belonging to the campus environment.
  • Services: We are a bridge builder helping to connect our students with resources they need to be empowered and successful. We have grant focused services and focused affinity supports.

Who do we serve?

Every student that needs us. Our services are inclusive and collaborative, and we believe there is a place for all students in the division of Student Engagement Services. 

Our Humble Beginnings

Since 2001, our vision has always been to serve all students who desire social support, and a community where they can showcase and cultivate their identity, personal, academic and personal development. We believe that every student who enters Pierce College should have equal access to campus and community resources. In the division of Student Engagement Services, we work within our campus and community to break down institutional barriers for our students in order for them to achieve their academic goals.  

With this strong foundation, our College Access and College Services grant supported programs have grown from one to five programs serving over 4,000 students within the past seven years. The division of Student Engagement Services is now the home of several grant-supported programs and departments. Together, we provide an inclusive and empowering community that supports students in building life-long relationships, and thriving in their educational journey.  

Why must we grow and scale our work?

From our humble beginnings, radical hope and belief, and an institutional commitment to providing equitable learning opportunities to diverse populations has been instrumental in our progress and growth. We've learned to constantly push for the impossible, and we know this can be achieved through intentional collective action, accountability in love and service to one's self, family, and community. We must grow because our students and staff need us to grow.

Student Empowerment Programs

Student Achievement Support Services (SASS): Grant Supported Programs

College Access

College Services

Cultural Affinity Programs

  • James Baldwin's Scholars: Black/African and African American Student Scholars

Student Engagement Resources

  • Legacy of Excellence Student Ambassador's program
  • Student Life and Engagement, Student Government, student activities and clubs

Student Resource Programs

Contact Us Today!

All of our offices and programs are ready to assist you. Please reach out directly to the office or program that you are interested in connecting with. If you have general questions about the division of Student Engagement Services, please reach out to Dr. Davi Kallman, Dean of Student Engagement, or email studentengagement@pierce.ctc.edu. 

Student Engagement Services
Cascade Building
9401 Farwest Drive SW
Lakewood, WA 98498-1999
253-912-3625
studentengagement@pierce.ctc.edu