On July 19, 2012, over 65 participants from 40 institutions and organizations from across Washington State came together for an inaugural meeting to determine whether there is interest in a collective approach to promoting the value of a liberal arts education. By the end of this meeting, it was agreed that a group should be formed to undertake a variety of projects intended to create a positive change in the public dialogue about liberal education in the State and nationally.  Further deliberation throughout the summer resulted in the name and mission statement.

In its first year, WaCLA formed a steering committee, created and ran an undergraduate student essay contest on the value of a liberal arts education and a WaCLA logo contest for undergraduate graphic design programs (resulting in the logo used on this site).  Additionally, WaCLA has attempted to reach a broader constituency by publishing op-ed pieces across the state.  Some of these pieces have introduced the winners of our first annual essay contest, have made the case for the compatibility of STEM and non-STEM disciplines, and have articulated the societal value of the humanities.  Collectively, the goal has been to demonstrate the importance and vibrancy of the liberal arts.

Mission Statement

The Washington Consortium for the Liberal Arts (WaCLA) is an association of Washington state public and private higher education institutions, organizations and individuals promoting the value of a liberal arts education to the people and communities of the state.