NIC raises enough money to fund science, chem labs

SANDPOINT — In just a few short months, locals will be able to earn an associate’s degree without ever setting foot outside Sandpoint.

The news is even better for those living in Boundary County who spend at least two hours driving to and from North Idaho College to take science courses and their requisite lab classes.

NIC President Joe Dunlap announced at a Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Thursday, April 11 that the college had met and surpassed its fundraising goals for the science wet lab to be installed at the new satellite campus.

Out of a $100,000 goal, college officials have raised about $135,000 thus far.

The successful fundraising goal will allow NIC officials to have lab installed during the summer, with it opening in time for fall semester.

That’s good news for residents who would like to earn a degree but can’t enroll at an out-of-town school.

By attending the satellite campus located in the Sandpoint Events Center, students will be able to complete two-year programs and may eventually even be able to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“By having that science lab in place this fall, students in Sandpoint will never have to leave Sandpoint to get their associate’s degree,” Dunlap said.

In addition, the fact they surpassed their goals means NIC officials have even more options at their disposal. According to Dunlap, the school will add on a chemistry lab suitable for most basic chemistry courses with the extra funds.

This chemical lab requires some extra equipment and ventilation considerations, but it will give students even more options in meeting their lab science requirements.

“With a chemistry lab at the Sandpoint location, nursing students will be able to complete all their prerequisites without leaving town,” Dunlap said.

The addition will likely bump the fundraising requirement up to about $150,000. However, Dunlap said they’re focusing on their initial science lab goal while raising the remaining funds for the chemistry lab.

College officials are also working with administrators at Bonner General Hospital to expand local training options for medical jobs, including lab technicians and physical therapists.

“When you get to be my age, you want to make sure there are good people working in the medical field,” Dunlap said.

NIC also is working on establishing an entrepreneurship program, which will allow individuals with great ideas but few financial resources to access some start-up funds.

This program is possible thanks to a large grant from Avista Utilities covering the curriculum costs and capital, which will be dispersed to participants as micro-loans.

Dunlap also mentioned that Idaho tends to perform very poorly — usually in the bottom 10 — when it comes to students going to college after high school and earning degrees.

In addition, Idaho spending per pupil is the second-lowest in the nation.

NIC officials hope that the satellite campus and programs like a partnership with Forrest Bird Charter School to provide professional aviation maintenance training after high school will help shift those paradigms in North Idaho, where the rural geography can limit opportunity for some individuals.

“By expanding into Sandpoint, we’re really expanding our own capabilities and increasing access for everyone,” Dunlap said.