Whatcom Community College

The 36th Annual Students of Color Conference will take place on Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1, from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. The state-wide conference will be held virtually this year, with regional host-site options so students can gather locally with neighboring colleges while still participating in the statewide experience. Whatcom Community College has been chosen as a host site, and we will be hosting in-person gatherings to engage with virtual speakers and presenters in various locations on our campus. Meals will be provided for in-person participants!

The application deadline is April 3. Interested students can find additional information in the application. You can click here to access the new application. Here is the direct link: https://forms.office.com/r/b3ZMgn98DQ

Our 2026 theme, Rooted in Resistance, Growing Toward Liberation, speaks to the strength, resilience, and brilliance of our students. We are honored to feature two inspiring keynote speakers, Yosimar Reyes and Keisha B. Free, who will help ground and energize our shared experience.

Our hopes for this year’s conference are simple yet meaningful. We hope students learn something that stretches their thinking and affirms their identities. We hope they leave with at least one tangible tool, idea, or strategy they can implement in their personal, academic, or leadership journeys. We hope they find opportunities for authentic connection with one another, with advisors, and with our broader college community. Most importantly, we hope they feel safe, seen, valued, and celebrated.

Even in a virtual format, we are committed to creating an experience that feels engaging, interactive, and joyful, filled with meaningful dialogue, moments of laughter, and space for reflection and growth.

Questions? Please contact the Simpson Intercultural Center at: intercultural@whatcom.edu or 360.383.3100