Western Nevada College has opened its second Family Friendly Study Space in the Joe Dini Library, aiming to provide a supportive environment for students with young children. The new area features a dinosaur theme and was launched during a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe.
The project was funded through the Carson Douglas Early Childhood Advisory Council (CD ECAC), using money from the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative, which is administered by the Nevada Department of Education and supported by the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Anna Lisa Acosta-Rogers, Director of WNC’s Child Development Center and treasurer for CD ECAC, said: “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. 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 college’s first Family Friendly Study Space opened last year in response to student needs. It quickly became popular among those balancing coursework with parenting responsibilities.
Ron Belbin, Learning and Innovation Director at WNC, said: “The library team is very grateful to the Carson Douglas Early Childhood Advisory Council for sponsoring WNC’s latest commitment to supporting our students. 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.”
Western Nevada College operates as part of the Nevada System of Higher Education with campuses in Carson City, Fallon, and Minden. The institution focuses on student achievement through affordable programs such as associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and partnerships that allow students access to bachelor’s degrees (source). Facilities include modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries like Joe Dini Library where these study spaces are located (source).
By adding another family friendly study space on campus, Western Nevada College continues efforts to support student success by addressing real-life challenges faced by its learners.
