EvCC launches Diversity, Equity and Social Justice academic track

Press Release

Release Date: Sept. 28, 2022

Contacts: Shelli Jordan-Zirkle, History Faculty Member, 425-259-8894; sjordan-zirkle@everettcc.edu, Jenny Marin, Marketing Specialist, 425-388-9203; jmarin@everettcc.edu

EVERETT, Wash. – Students at Everett Community College can now earn a university transfer degree focusing on the study of race, class, ethnicity, gender and sexuality and how these social classifications are linked to power, privilege and the allocation of resources and opportunities. 

The college launched a new academic track, an Associate in Arts and Sciences - Direct Transfer Agreement with an interest in Diversity, Equity and Social Justice (DESJ), this Fall. 

Students who earn an AAS-DTA degree from EvCC can usually transfer as a junior to one of 20-plus colleges and universities in Washington and Oregon. 

Graduates of the DESJ track may later pursue careers in a variety of nonprofit fields, including public health, sustainability, education, economics and human rights. 

“The Puget Sound region offers a particularly broad and diverse range of potential employment opportunities at nonprofit organizations and is the home of global leaders in public health and education reform,” said Eugene McAvoy, EvCC’s dean of communications and social sciences. “The DESJ track will help students begin working toward careers in these areas.”

Graduates may also pursue careers at for-profit companies that are seeking employees with equity and social justice training to work in areas such as human resources, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, intercultural communication and supply chain management. 

“Four of the five largest employers in Washington state have publicly committed to hiring employees with experience and training in diversity and inclusion work,” said Shelli Jordan-Zirkle, history instructor and chair of EvCC’s DESJ development committee.

Interested students and prospective students can meet faculty members and learn about the DESJ track at a free information session from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 12 in EvCC’s Henry M. Jackson Conference Center or 3-4 p.m. Oct. 19 online. Participants can sign up and view event details at EverettCC.edu/DESJ.