La CASA La CASA Cultural Appreciation and Student Advocacy Connect Diversity, Equity and Inclusion La CASA La CASA Connect Diversity, Equity and Inclusion La CASA La CASA Bienvenidos to the 2025-2026 academic year! La CASA, Columbia Basin College's multicultural center, opened its doors in September 2024. It was designed to align with the college's Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) designation, the Title V Grant goals, and CBC's Inclusivo strategic plan. La CASA is committed to fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment, and community for individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, and intersectional identities with consideration for our growing Hispanic/Latine student population. La CASA has dedicated spaces to study, relax, and build connections. Its diverse programming includes presentations, workshops, and resources that focus on cultural celebrations, financial literacy, professional development, and emotional well-being. By recognizing and celebrating students' identities as valuable assets, La CASA strives to foster student engagement, support academic success, and empower students to thrive both socially and professionally. Spring Quarter Hours Monday to Thursday 7 am to 5:30 pm Friday 7 am to Noon Weekends/Holidays Closed Services Undocumented Student Advocacy Specialist (USAS) Book an Appointment with USAS USAS Booking Get Involved with La CASA Reserve a Space in La CASA La CASA Reservations Let Us Know How We Can Improve La CASA La CASA Feedback Form Community Agreements Always check in when entering La CASA. Respect this cultural space and everyone (even if you disagree). Use the front doors as the main entrance and exit. By using the community kitchen, you agree to take personal responsibility for your own safety and actions. The College is not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses that may occur while using this space or equipment. Reservations should be made in advance. Meeting spaces should only be used when reserved. Lead with inclusive and positive language. Create an inviting environment by being mindful of the space you take. Keep office hallway as a quiet space. Please be considerate that information in this space may be confidential. Clean up after yourself and return furniture and technology (game consoles, etc.) to its original place. Be an active ally and advocate when you see injustice. Understand that everyone is on a different education journey of cultural differences and encourage their growth Meet the Staff! Jennifer Castro-Velazquez 🇲🇽 Director for La CASA and Title V Grant BIO Back Jennifer Castro-Velazquez 🇲🇽 Director for La CASA and Title V Grant Education equity is a priority of mine because it means that students and community members are informed of education opportunities and that they are provided the resources needed to succeed. As a first generation college graduate and Latina working in higher education, I aim to provide a cultural connection throughout my work. Outside of work I enjoy hiking, traveling, and trying new foods. Michael Jaramillo 🇲🇽 Program Coordinator - La CASA BIO Back Michael Jaramillo 🇲🇽 Program Coordinator - La CASA Being from a small town and a first generation college graduate, higher education is important to me as it helped create a stepping stone to a greater future. I am a proud son of immigrants and enjoy serving my community in any way that I can. I enjoy traveling, photography, and playing sports. Ingrid Pavon-Moreno 🇪🇨 Student Worker - La CASA Mentor BIO Back Ingrid Pavon-Moreno 🇪🇨 Student Worker - La CASA Mentor As a Hispanic woman and first-generation immigrant, I know fisthand the challenges of arraving in a new country and starting from scratch. That's why I've made educatio and comminity service a priority in my life. I firmly believe that education opens doors, expands opportunities, and improves quality of life. Mateo Hernandez 🇨🇴 Student Worker - DEI Office Support BIO Back Mateo Hernandez 🇨🇴 Student Worker - DEI Office Support TBD Connect Diversity, Equity and Inclusion La CASA La CASA Upcoming La CASA Events Beyond Small Talk: Austim and Communication When: Thursday, April 16, 2026 Time: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM Location: La CASA Conference Room (T403) About: Explore autistic communication styles and paint kindness rocks to share. Fuel for School - April 2026 When: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Time: 12 to 2 PM Location: La CASA (T402) About: La CASA is serving arrepas as part of our monthly Fuel for School series to energize students for success. Food will be served until supplies last. Your Guide to Financial Aid at CBC (English Session) When: Wednesday, April 23, 2026 Time: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM Location La CASA (T402) About: Learn about the types of aid, a timeline of the Financial Aid Applications, required documents to complete Financial Aid Applications, and Misconceptions/Q&As. After, students will be provided a meal and go into workshop time for those who want to complete their Financial Aid Applications or have questions about their existing applications. Your Guide to Financial Aid at CBC (Spanish Session) When: Wednesday, April 23, 2026 Time: 3:30 to 5:30 PM Location: La CASA (T402) About: Learn about the types of aid, a timeline of the Financial Aid Applications, required documents to complete Financial Aid Applications, and Misconceptions/Q&As. After, students will be provided a meal and go into workshop time for those who want to complete their Financial Aid Applications or have questions about their existing applications. Connect Diversity, Equity and Inclusion La CASA La CASA Campus Resources Academic Success Center (ASC) The Academic Success Center provides tutoring, peer mentoring, and other resources to help you unlock your academic potential on your journey towards academic success. ASC Associated Students of Columbia Basin College (ASCBC) Clubs The purpose of student clubs at CBC is to provide opportunities for the enhancement of academic, cultural, social and recreational aspects of student life through participation in group programs and activities. ASCBC College Assistant Migrant Program (CAMP) CAMP helps students who come from a migrant or seasonal farm-working background during their first year of college with life changing resources. CAMP offers academic, career, financial and support services to facilitate your transition into college. CAMP Disability Support Services (DSS) Disability Support Services (DSS) is dedicated to ensuring equal access and inclusion for all students with either provisional or permanent physical, health, learning, sensory or psychological disabilities. Accommodations may include adaptive equipment, technology, testing, classroom tools and information. DSS Food Pantry Our amazing partnership with Second Harvest allows us to stock our pantry with fresh produce, dairy products, bread, as well as dry and canned goods. Food Pantry Math, Engineering & Science Achievement (MESA) The goal of MESA is to increase the number of historically underrepresented community college students (including African American, Native American, Hispanic/Latinx, Pacific Islander and women) who are interested in pursuing a STEM bachelor’s degree. Ultimately, we aim to diversify the STEM workforce by addressing challenges students like you face in education and career development. MESA Resources for DACA and Undocumented Students We are determined in advancing the academic success and holistic thriving of undocumented, Deferred action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and mixed-status families' students. We invite you to explore the support and resources available to you as a future and current student. Undocu Resources TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) TRIO SSS students find that the extra support they receive helps them achieve success not only here at CBC, but also in their four-year graduation goals and careers beyond college. TRIO SSS Upward Bound Upward Bound students participate in both summer and school-year programs and, following high school graduation, are encouraged to enroll in the BRIDGE program—an intensive mentoring opportunity designed to guide students like you through your first summer quarter of college coursework. Upward Bound Well-Being Resources We know that sometimes life makes it difficult to concentrate in class which can keep you from being academically successful. These things aren’t your fault! CBC, and our surrounding communities, offer students valuable resources to support you through hard times and support your well-being. We encourage you to take advantage of these resources—it’s what they’re here for! Well-Being Resources Workforce Education Center (WEC) You can gain access to five federally-funded grant programs that aim to help students like you successfully achieve your workforce education goals. Whether it is financial assistance, help with academic planning, access to computers or even learning about what jobs are available to you, WEC is here to support you! WEC Connect Diversity, Equity and Inclusion La CASA La CASA La CASA Kitchen La CASA’s Kitchen is the first communal kitchen facility available to students and employees at Columbia Basin College (CBC). The kitchen is located within the Pasco campus T-Building, Room T408. As part of La CASA, its kitchen will provide an opportunity to respond to food and housing insecurity, and to create community amongst students and employees. With these efforts in mind, La CASA’s Kitchen will provide equitable and culturally sustaining practices aimed at student success. The Kitchen will be open to all CBC students and employees to utilize during La CASA’s Hours of Operation. By using the kitchen, you agree to the rules and procedures of the kitchen. Please refer to La CASA's Kitchen Manual for more information regarding La CASA's kitchen use, rules, and procedures. La CASA Kitchen Manual General Use Students may use the following on-the-counter and low-risk appliances for individual cooking needs: Sinks Refrigerator Microwave Toaster Keurig Ice Machine Disposable plates, bowls, cutlery Students are responsible for cleaning up after themselves and each appliance they use. Cleaning materials will be readily available to students. Reservations Students interested in participating in cooking a shared meal or viewing a cooking demonstration must be supervised by an employee. La CASA’s Kitchen may be reserved for cooking demonstrations and meals by employees who have completed the required training. The employee who creates the reservation will be present, oversee the cooking process, and understand and ensure safety and cleaning regulations are followed during kitchen use. Reservation requests should be made at least two (2) weeks in advance of the reservation date. Fill out the form below to put in a request to reserve the kitchen. Kitchen Reservation Request Form Confirmation of training need to be attached to the reservation along with waivers for students who will be accessing the kitchen. La CASA Kitchen Waiver Employees and students using La CASA’s Kitchen through the reservation process may use the following appliances: All appliances listed in ‘General Use Only’ section Stovetop Oven Knives Rice Cooker Hot Plates Pots and Pans Cutting Boards All additional appliances with La CASA’s Kitchen Inventory Employees and students are responsible for cleaning and sanitizing the kitchen appliances and materials they used during their reservation. Cleaning materials will be readily available to use. Frequently Asked Questions How do I reserve the kitchen? 1. You must be a CBC employee to reserve the kitchen. 2. Contact CBC's Occupational Safety and Health Specialist 2 to receive and complete La CASA Kitchen Training modules. 3. Fill out the La CASA Kitchen Reservation Request Form at least two (2) week prior to your proposed event date. 4. If students will be participating in the kitchen, they must complete the La CASA Kitchen Waiver & Release of Liability Form. These forms will be uploaded in the Kitchen Reservation Request Form. Can students reserve the kitchen? No. Students cannot directly make a reservation, however, if there is interest in creating a shared meal, students must connect with a trained CBC employee to make the reservation. Steps to reserve the kitchen can be found in the question above. If the kitchen is reserved, can I still enter to grab cutlery (spoon/knife/fork), tableware (plate/bowl), or heat up my food? No. If the kitchen is reserved, only the people associated with the reservation may enter/utilize the kitchen throughout the reservation. If the refridgerator is reservered, am I able to store food in there? No. If the refridgerator is reserved, only the people associated with the reservation may utilize the refridgerator throughout the reservation. However, the rest of the kitchen will still be available for use. I want to reserve the kitchen after La CASA's office hours (5:30 PM Monday - Thursday and 12 PM Friday), am I able to do that? Depending on the availability of La CASA's full-time staff. Please connect with our staff directly about this request. Am I able to reserve the kitchen for student club use? Yes, a trained CBC employee may make this reservation. Steps to reserve the kitchen can be found in question one (1). Are community members able to reserve the kitchen? No. La CASA's Kitchen can only be reserved by CBC employees. I want to reserve the kitchen for an event next week. Is it too late to reserve the kitchen? Per La CASA's Kitchen reservation policy, we require a mininum of two (2) weeks notice and a kitchen reservation request form for La CASA's kitchen to be reserved. In this case, the reservation request would be denied. Connect Diversity, Equity and Inclusion La CASA La CASA La Plática is La CASA's newsletter and its aims is to provide useful, clear, and accessible information to support student development at Columbia Basin College (CBC). Here, you'll find resources, opportunities, and news that can make a difference in your academic journey. Each issue will highlight a featured story, The Visual Voice – where we’ll share photos and highlights of students interacting with La CASA (Cultural Appreciation & Student Advocacy), La CASA’s monthly events, updates from CBC’s Undocumented Student Advocacy Specialist, campus resources and important dates, along with information on how to get involved on campus! Our goal is to help you stay connected with your community and make the most of what’s available to you here at CBC! Past Issues La Platica E-Newsletter - April 2026 - Issue 8 La Plática E-Newsletter - March 2026 - Issue 7 La Plática E-Newsletter - February 2026 - Issue 6 La Plática E-Newsletter - January 2026 - Issue 5 La Plática E-Newsletter - December 2025 - Issue 4 La Plática E-Newsletter - November 2025 - Issue 3 La Plática E-Newsletter - October 2025 - Issue 2 La Plática E-Newsletter - September 2025 - Issue 1 Subscribe to La Plática Connect Diversity, Equity and Inclusion La CASA La CASA Annual Events January Martin Luther King Jr. - Bell Ringing and Spirit Award Ceremony When: January 18, 2027 Time: TBD Location: TBD About: Join us in celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the 2026 Bell Ringing Ceremony. This event will feature the ringing of the bells, recognition of the 2026 Spirit Award Recipient, followed by a fellowship and reception. The MLK Jr. Bell Ringing and Spirit Award Ceremony is coordinated by African American Community Cultural & Educational Society (AACCES), Columbia Basin College (CBC), Heritage University, Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Program, and Tri-Cities Diveristy and Inclusion Council (TCDIC). September Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Week When: September 14 to September 18, 2026 Time: TBD Location(s): TBD About: La CASA, along with other departments across campus, are celebrating HSI Week the first week of classes! HSI Week, created by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), coincides with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s celebrated nationwide each September to honor the impact these institutions have in creating opportunities, closing educational gaps, and empowering Hispanic students. It also serves as a reminder to celebrate the communities of students that make up our college campuses. contact Email: lacasa@columbiabasin.edu Phone: 509-542-4444 2600 N. 20th Ave., Pasco, WA 99301 T Building T402 Office Hours: Monday to Thursday: 7 AM to 5:30 PM Friday: 7 AM to Noon