Ben Franklin Transit and Heritage University Expand Student Access to Public Transportation

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ben Franklin Transit and Heritage University Expand Student Access to Public Transportation

KENNEWICK, Wash. — Heritage University Tri-Cities students can now use their student IDs as bus passes for free rides throughout the Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) service area, removing a transportation barrier to education, employment and other opportunities.

The program launched Oct. 12, 2026, through an agreement in which Heritage University covers the cost of student passes. Students can enroll through the university, joining Washington State University Tri-Cities and Columbia Basin College students who already benefit from the program.

The partnership gives Heritage University Tri-Cities students another affordable way to get to class, work and other destinations without the added costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance or campus parking.

“Transportation can be a significant barrier for students, particularly as they balance work, family, and their education,” said Adriana Villafan, Heritage University associate vice president for strategic initiatives. “This partnership with Ben Franklin Transit allows Heritage University to provide our Tri-Cities students with access to public transportation at no cost, removing one more obstacle between them and their academic goals. We are incredibly grateful to Ben Franklin Transit for their partnership and shared commitment to supporting students and expanding access to higher education in the Tri-Cities.”

Through this partnership, students at all three participating higher education institutions in the region can take advantage of the BFT Student Pass program, supporting greater access to education and employment throughout the Tri-Cities area.

About Ben Franklin Transit

Ben Franklin Transit is the public transportation system for the Tri-Cities area of Benton and Franklin Counties in southeastern Washington State. Our guiding purpose is to provide safe, reliable, affordable transportation to the community to support personal mobility, economic diversity, and growth. BFT’s Public Transportation Benefit Area (PTBA) covers 625 square miles and serves the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, West Richland, Benton City, Prosser, and the town of Finley.

About Heritage University

Heritage University is a private, non-profit, regionally accredited institution of higher learning offering undergraduate and graduate education from its primary campus in Toppenish, Wash. and from regional sites in Kennewick, Wash. and Pasco, Wash. Heritage University is located on the Yakama Nation and is the only private institution in the United States designated as both a Hispanic Serving Institution and a Native American-serving Non-Tribal Institution. For more information, visit heritage.edu.

Media Contacts

Ben Franklin Transit:
Tara Divers, Director of Marketing and Communications
509.975.9424 | tdivers@bft.org

Heritage University:
Adriana Villafan, Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
(509) 840-7532 | villafan_a@heritage.edu

Davidson Mance, Public Relations Manager
(509) 969-6084 | mance_d@heritage.edu

 

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Heritage University Online Master of Social Work Named Top Online MSW Program in Washington State

 

 

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University’s Online Master of Social Work (MSW) program has been recognized as the number one online Master of Social Work program in Washington state for 2027 in rankings by MastersinSocialWorkOnline.org.

The recognition comes shortly after Heritage was ranked No. 1 in Best Value Colleges in Washington in Niche’s 2027 rankings. Together, the recognitions highlight two important aspects of a Heritage University education: providing students with access to high-quality academic programs while helping make a college education affordable.

“Recognition like this reinforces what we hear from our students every day: Heritage is a place where opportunity and affordability come together,” said Heritage University President Christopher Gilmer. “Whether a student is pursuing an undergraduate degree or advancing their career through a graduate program like social work, our commitment is the same — to provide an education that is accessible, relevant and transformative. These honors reflect the work of our faculty and staff who are dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and make a difference in their communities.”

The annual rankings from MastersinSocialWorkOnline.org recognize social work education programs that contribute to the field and help prepare the next generation of social work professionals. The recognition highlights Heritage’s online MSW program as an option for students seeking advanced social work education with the flexibility to balance their studies with work, family and other responsibilities.

Heritage University’s MSW program prepares students for professional social work practice through an online format designed to provide flexibility for students while maintaining a rigorous graduate-level education. The program serves students who want to expand their knowledge and skills while preparing to make a difference with individuals, families and communities.

“Social workers play an essential role in strengthening individuals, families and communities, particularly in communities where access to services and support can be limited,” said Dr. Miguel Juarez, Heritage University MSW program director who oversees the online program. “Our MSW program gives students the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills they need to serve those communities while providing a format that recognizes the realities of their lives outside the classroom.”

The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board on Accreditation. Heritage welcomed its first Advanced Standing MSW cohort in August 2024, with the first cohort graduating in July 2025. For more information, please contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Newly appointed Yakima County Superior Court Judge Bree Black Horse to join Valley students at Heritage University Youth and Justice Forum

Toppenish, Wash. – High school students from across the Yakima Valley will gather at Heritage University’s Youth and Justice Forum on Friday, Sept. 25. The hands-on event will give students an up-close look at the justice system, careers in law, courts, corrections and law enforcement as well as their rights. Students will interact with judges, attorneys, correctional officers, K-9 units, SWAT teams and law enforcement drone operators while learning about the many career paths available within the justice system.

Newly appointed Yakima County Superior Court Judge Bree Black Horse Heritage University Criminal Justice faculty and Admissions Office organized the forum to give local students an opportunity to learn directly from professionals working throughout the justice system. Black Horse will also participate in several of the day’s sessions. Gov. Bob Ferguson appointed Black Horse to the Yakima County Superior Court earlier this month. She becomes the first Native American judge to serve on the Yakima County Superior Court. She brings more than 12 years of experience in public and private practice, handling criminal and civil cases in federal, state and Tribal courts.

As forum co-organizer, Black Horse said the event is designed to demystify the justice system while introducing students to the people who work within it. “Young people should be able to see themselves as future lawyers, judges, law enforcement officers, and leaders in our justice system. We want students to leave with a better understanding of their rights, the many roles people play in the justice system, and—most importantly—a sense that these careers and opportunities are open to them, too,” said Black Horse.

The Youth and Justice Forum will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, in Smith Family Hall at Heritage University from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University reports substantial enrollment growth for fall 2026

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University is beginning the fall 2026 semester with strong enrollment growth at both its Toppenish and Tri-Cities locations, reflecting continued demand for the university’s undergraduate and graduate programs.

Fall 2026 undergraduate and graduate combined student enrollment is up more than 11% compared with fall 2025.

Contributing to the strength of this year’s enrollment is Heritage’s 88% retention rate of returning students, significantly higher than the national average of approximately 77%.

“An 88% retention rate is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the commitment of our faculty and staff,” said Heritage University President Dr. Chris Gilmer. “Our students know that at Heritage they will be seen, heard and supported. Our faculty and staff take extraordinary steps to help students overcome obstacles and stay on the path to graduation.”

The enrollment gains reflect strong demand for Heritage’s academic programs and its student-centered approach to providing accessible, high-quality higher education throughout the region.

Several undergraduate programs are experiencing particularly strong demand, including nursing, social work and education. At the graduate level, enrollment continues to grow in Heritage’s Master of Social Work and Master of Mental Health Counseling programs.

The growth also reflects Heritage’s continued commitment to creating pathways to a four-year degree for students who may not traditionally have had access to a university education. For graduate students, Heritage provides working professionals with opportunities to advance their careers while balancing the demands of work, family, and school.

“The strength of our fall enrollment is evidence that students and families see Heritage as a place where they can achieve their educational goals,” said Gilmer. “Students are choosing Heritage not only to begin their degrees, but to finish them, advance their careers and prepare for the next chapter of their lives. We are very encouraged by the confidence students are placing in Heritage.”

Heritage University Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Beth Durodoye said the enrollment numbers represent much more than institutional growth.

“Behind every enrollment number is a student who has made the decision to invest in themselves and their future,” said Durodoye. “These students are choosing Heritage because they see a path forward here. We are excited about what their success will mean for them, their families and the communities they will serve.”

For more information, contact Davidson Mance, media relations coordinator, at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University Master of Social Work Program Earns National Accreditation

TOPPENISH, Wash. — Heritage University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program has earned accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA), affirming the program’s commitment to preparing highly qualified social workers to serve communities throughout Washington state and beyond.

“This accreditation is a tremendous achievement for Heritage University and a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff,” said Heritage University President Chris Gilmer.” This accreditation attests to the quality of our MSW program and the value of a Heritage education. As the only private university in the nation that is both a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution and a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Heritage is committed to preparing compassionate, culturally responsive professionals who will make a meaningful difference in their communities. This is true for all our graduates and nowhere is this more critical than in the Social Work profession.”

Development of Heritage University’s MSW program began in January 2023, with social work faculty designing a graduate program that would increase access to advanced social work education across Washington state. The program welcomed its inaugural Advanced Standing cohort of 22 students in August 2024, with those students graduating in July 2025. A second cohort, consisting of both Advanced Standing and Traditional Two-Year students, began in August 2025. The Advanced Standing students completed the program in July 2026, while the Traditional Two-Year cohort will graduate in July 2027.

Accreditation by the CSWE signifies that Heritage University’s MSW program meets or exceeds nationally recognized standards through a rigorous peer-review process. It confirms the program has the resources, curriculum and faculty necessary to fulfill its mission while meeting all accreditation standards. The accreditation applies to all program locations and delivery methods, providing students, employers and community partners with confidence that graduates are prepared with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed for professional social work practice.

Designed to meet the needs of working professionals, the primarily online program meets on campus just seven times each semester, making graduate education accessible to students from communities throughout Washington. Current students come from the Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities, Seattle, Othello, Moses Lake, Mattawa and other communities across the state. Enrollment continues to grow, with 52 students expected to begin the program this fall and approximately 60 students anticipated to enroll in the coming academic year.

Ruby Aguilar, chair of the social work department at Heritage University, said accreditation from the CSWE is more than a recognition. “It validates the countless hours, hard work that our faculty and staff invested in building this program. Our students placed their trust in us even before we earned accreditation, and this achievement is meaningful not only to us, but to every student who believed in our vision,” Aguilar said.

Miguel Juarez, director of Heritage University’s Master of Social Work program, said accreditation assures students they are receiving an education that meets the highest national standards.

“Our goal has always been to prepare social workers who are equipped to address complex challenges while honoring the strengths and cultures of the communities they serve. We are proud to develop leaders who will advocate for equity, justice and positive change,” Juarez said.

For more information or help with setting up interviews, please contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.