Community

Grays Harbor College engages the community in cultural and personal enrichment, and is committed to the belief that every person should have the opportunity for lifelong learning - to enhance personal skills, and to investigate new career possibilities.

Exploring the Arts!

exterior of the Bishop Center on a sunny fall day
College music and theater productions are held at the Bishop Center for Performing Arts on the main campus in Aberdeen.

Community Music Groups

Grays Harbor College sponsors four community music groups: symphony, choir, opera, and concert band. Everyone is welcome to join, new members especially. These are great opportunities to keep your musical talents active or re-activate your musical abilities from a while ago. You may not be in the professional category, but certainly joining one or more of these groups would bring you enjoyment, new friends, something different to do, etc. Each group performs during the year at the Bishop Center.

Community Theater 

Each year, Grays Harbor College sponsors a performing arts series, combining student productions and performances with nationally recognized stage acts. GHC students and community members with an interest in music or theater are encouraged to participate in campus productions.

Lecture Series 

Grays Harbor College strives to serve the public good through shared knowledge and insight. To that end, we regularly bring thought-provoking and inspirational speakers to campus. These lectures provide an excellent opportunity for community members to engage in thought-provoking topics ranging from science and politics, to human rights and personal achievement. All lectures are free and open to the public.

Art Shows 

Grays Harbor College displays the works of a variety of artists in ever-changing exhibits. Beginning with its annual Fall Gala, the John Spellman Library is honored to host college art shows, high school art shows, quilt shows, and other features showcasing the best of Grays Harbor artists.

Providing Lifelong Learning Opportunities

Grays Harbor College is committed to serving the needs of our communities and supporting small business development.

Business Contract Training

The Business Contract training program collaborates with community partners to provide training that is aligned with industry needs for a skilled workforce. Contracts are developed by training component, not by the number of participants. The focus of contract training is to be the bridge between educational programs and on-the-job skill training. Business Contract Training also provides:

 

  • Online and on-ground non-credit classes for job skills enhancement
  • Short-term certifications
  • Industry credentials
  • Opportunities for training savings through matching grants and tax credits
  • Clock hours training and verification for educators
  • Access to a Small Business Development Center Certified Business Advisor

Community Education Classes

We offer continuing education and personal enrichment opportunities for adults through online and on-ground noncredit courses including: art, photography, health and wellness, computers and technology, language, cooking, gardening, and special guided travel "EDventures", that explore the arts, history, culture and natural wonders of Western Washington.

Lake Swano Model Watershed

The main campus in Aberdeen is situated in the Alder Creek Watershed and is the site of the unique Donald F. Samuelson Model Watershed. An undertaking of college students, staff, and community groups, this project is a tremendous asset to the college and local community. Nearly two miles of developed "barrier free" nature trails with interpretive signs traverse the site for maximum public access and use. 

Stafford Creek Corrections Center

Grays Harbor College offers classes to the offenders housed at Stafford Creek Corrections Center located approximately seven miles west of the campus. The College offers classes in Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, and assists offender students with the completion of their GED®. Faculty also provide offender students with vocational opportunities upon completion/verification of a high school diploma or GED. 

All courses are aimed at helping offender students become well prepared to enter the world of work or school, and ultimately assist them in becoming productive members of society upon their release.

Supporting Small Business

Grays Harbor College is committed to serving the needs of our communities and supporting small business development.

Business Contract Training

The Business Contract training program collaborates with community partners to provide training that is aligned with industry needs for a skilled workforce. Contracts are developed by training component, not by the number of participants. The focus of contract training is to be the bridge between educational programs and on-the-job skill training. Business Contract Training also provides:

 

  • Online and on-ground non-credit classes for job skills enhancement
  • Short-term certifications
  • Industry credentials
  • Opportunities for training savings through matching grants and tax credits
  • Clock hours training and verification for educators
  • Access to a Small Business Development Center Certified Business Advisor

Community Education Classes

We offer continuing education and personal enrichment opportunities for adults through online and on-ground noncredit courses including: art, photography, health and wellness, computers and technology, language, cooking, gardening, and special guided travel "EDventures", that explore the arts, history, culture and natural wonders of Western Washington.

Lake Swano Model Watershed

The main campus in Aberdeen is situated in the Alder Creek Watershed and is the site of the unique Donald F. Samuelson Model Watershed. An undertaking of college students, staff, and community groups, this project is a tremendous asset to the college and local community. Nearly two miles of developed "barrier free" nature trails with interpretive signs traverse the site for maximum public access and use. 

Stafford Creek Corrections Center

Grays Harbor College offers classes to the offenders housed at Stafford Creek Corrections Center located approximately seven miles west of the campus. The College offers classes in Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, and assists offender students with the completion of their GED®. Faculty also provide offender students with vocational opportunities upon completion/verification of a high school diploma or GED. 

All courses are aimed at helping offender students become well prepared to enter the world of work or school, and ultimately assist them in becoming productive members of society upon their release.

Facilities Rental

Plan your next meeting, conference or special event at Grays Harbor College. Enjoy our beautiful setting with convenient access, free parking, Internet connections, and on-site catering. A range of facilities, rental equipment and support services are provided at reasonable rates.

Schedule an Event at GHC

For prices and availability, please contact Campus Operations at 360-538-4114.