Vancouver

Vancouver, Washington is the county seat of Clark County. It is located in the southwestern part of the state, on the Columbia River across from Portland, Oregon. With a population of about 163,000, it is the fourth largest city in Washington. The Portland-Vancouver metro area has over two million residents. The residents of Vancouver have easy access to transportation via major interstate highways, Portland International Airport and rail service by Amtrak. Vancouver’s early economy was based largely upon salmon fishing and canning, and the lumber and forest products industry. Every year, there is an impressive fireworks show on the Fourth of July, which is said to be the largest west of the Mississippi, at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Other cultural activities include the Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival every August and the Vancouver Sausage Fest in September. Students in Vancouver colleges can pursue their studies while enjoying the mild climate of the Pacific Northwest and the cultural and recreational opportunities of the greater Portland-Vancouver metro area.

Educational and Career Opportunities in Vancouver, WA

Colleges in Vancouver prepare their students for careers in a diverse economy. While many residents of Vancouver commute to jobs in Portland, there are also many career opportunities at home. Students from Vancouver colleges can seek employment in government, the public school system, local healthcare facilities and many private businesses. In 1997 Vancouver began a major downtown revitalization project with new commercial and residential buildings rising near Esther Short Park and Uptown Village. Companies with headquarters in Vancouver include Nautilus, Inc. and the parent company of the Burgerville USA restaurant chain. In recent years Vancouver has become a high tech manufacturing center, with the presence of Hewlett-Packard, WaferTech and SEH America. Students who choose colleges in Vancouver are well positioned to enter careers in government, healthcare, manufacturing, computer technology and many other fields.