Western Nevada College celebrated the opening of its second Family Friendly Study Space last month with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. The newly opened space, located in Joe Dini Library on the Carson City campus, features a playful dinosaur theme designed to create a welcoming and engaging environment for students with young children.
The second Family Friendly Study Space was made possible through grant funding provided by the Carson Douglas Early Childhood Advisory Council (CD ECAC). The funding originates from the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5), which was awarded to the Nevada Department of Education through the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“At Western Nevada College, we recognize that many of our students are balancing their education with the responsibilities of raising a family,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “The opening of this second Family Friendly Study Space reflects our commitment to meeting students where they are and removing barriers to their success. We are deeply grateful to the Carson Douglas Early Childhood Advisory Council and our community partners for investing in spaces that support student parents and create welcoming, inclusive learning environments for all.”
WNC Child Development Center Director Anna Lisa Acosta-Rogers, who serves as treasurer for the CD ECAC, said the idea for the space grew out of conversations about how best to support children and families in the community.
“Last year, when we were discussing ideas for funding projects that meet the needs of children and families in our area, I immediately thought of WNC’s Joe Dini Library and the Family Friendly Study Space,” Acosta-Rogers said. “We are so happy this worked out and proud to be a part of providing additional space for WNC students with young children to have a safe and appropriate environment for their children.”
The library’s first Family Friendly Study Space opened last year and quickly became a popular resource for students balancing coursework and parenting responsibilities.
“The library team is very grateful to the Carson Douglas Early Childhood Advisory Council for sponsoring WNC’s latest commitment to supporting our students,” said Ron Belbin, WNC’s Learning and Innovation Director. “The Family Friendly Study Room allows students to bring their young children to the library so they can continue working toward their educational goals at times when childcare may not be available.”
With the addition of this second space, Western Nevada College continues to expand its efforts to support student success by addressing the real-life challenges faced by today’s learners.
ABOUT WNC: Since 1971, Western Nevada College has helped students embark on the road to success by preparing them for a variety of careers through associate and bachelor degree programs, industry certifications and workforce training. WNC offers exemplary academics, affordability and student satisfaction.
Many Western grads become leaders in their communities and excel in their professions. Through multiple campuses, resource and learning centers, cohorts and robust online offerings, Western is able to meet many students’ needs, whether they are residing in remote parts of Nevada or trying to fit in their education while raising a family. To learn more about WNC, visit wnc.edu or phone 775-445-3000.
