Legislative Advocacy
Transformation Through Learning
With our vision of Transformation Through Learning, Renton Technical College provides small classes, student support, hands-on training, and flexible course options in an inclusive environment. Equity is at the core of our mission, and 70% of students identify as students of color.
Our Be The Place Strategic Equity Plan defines our goals to transform student success and the workforce.
RTC empowers students to thrive in a changing world through a technical college education that centers equity. The college offers short- and long-term career training programs to prepare students for high-wage, high-demand careers in manufacturing, health care, automotive, information technology, business, and culinary arts, as well as transfer options, Basic Studies, and English Language Learning. Fully funding our budget requests will have real returns for our students.
Invest in Our Students
The Legislature’s investment in RTC and all 34 Community and Technical Colleges will allow our students to train for careers in robust workforce programs with modern equipment and learning spaces that mirror their future work environments. We can expand technology to bring a college education to more people in more ways. All our students benefit from an inclusive environment where they are valued, supported, and equipped to reach their goals.
2026 Supplemental Operating Budget Request
RTC joins the community and technical college system in requesting that the Legislature return to its past policy of fully funding compensation increases and correct a technical error in the enacted budget that underfunds academic employee cost-of-living adjustments. Both items are essential to maintaining instructional capacity, recruiting, and retaining qualified employees, and supporting equitable student success. Without full funding, colleges will face untenable choices between funding mandated compensation and providing critical student services. We also encourage the Legislature not to cut funding for Running Start Summer enrollments.
Read legislative updates.
Students find their place at RTC
Medical Assisting student Valeria Gonzalez knew RTC was the place for her to accomplish her goals of working in a field that can help her community.
“RTC has so many amazing programs. They made me feel like I belong here. Everybody is so helpful.”
Dennis Kimani is fulfilling his goal of a career in a high-demand machining field. A working student, he has already secured a job at Boeing.
“My experience at RTC has been amazing. Our faculty is very invested in helping students graduate.”
Shelsy Mondragon wanted to work with her hands. Scholarships enabled her to enroll in the RTC Welding Program.
“I live independently and work part-time to pay my bills. I am grateful that I don’t have to worry about how I will pay for my tuition and tools.”
State Resources
OUR STUDENTS
About RTC
| Total headcount | 8,208 |
| Total full-time equivalent (FTE) | 3,329 |
Race/Ethnicity*
| American Indian/Alaska Native | 1% |
| Asian | 19% |
| Black/African American | 18% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 21% |
| Pacific Islander | 1% |
| White/Caucasian | 24% |
*May not add up to 100% because students may be counted in more than one race. Percentages calculated on reported value.
Age, Family, and Finances
| Average age | 32 |
| Students receiving need-based financial aid in eligible programs | 63% |