Bellevue College and Complexe Scolaire Renew Partnership 

Presidents of Bellevue College and Complexe Scolaire Bellevue recently renewed their strategic partnership to expand opportunities for international students in Africa. Complexe Scolaire Bellevue is a primary and secondary school named after Bellevue College and is based in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.

“I’m thrilled to reaffirm our commitment to excellence with the renewal of our partnership with Complexe Scolaire Bellevue,” said Bellevue College President David May. “Together, we continue to build bridges through education, empowering students and shaping a shared vision of success.” 

The five-year partnership, renewed recently, will ensure students from Complexe Scolaire Bellevue receive a seamless transition to Bellevue College’s International Education program. Once enrolled at Bellevue College, students can pursue a wide array of degrees within eight BC Pathways, including 14 bachelor’s degrees, 11 academic/transfer associate degrees, 22 professional/technical degrees, and 66 certificates.  

“It is an exceptional day to extend this memorandum of understanding,” said Complexe Scolaire Bellevue President Joseph Maloba Twite. “The students are in good standing and we’re very happy for the outcome of these students. They maintain high education, and that’s why we’re very happy for them.” 

The students of the Complexe Scolaire Bellevue have achieved success both academically and in terms of their leadership involvement. Jean-D’Arc Campbell, Bellevue College’s assistant vice president of International Programs and senior international officer, expects about 30 students from Complexe Scolaire Bellevue to graduate from Bellevue College with associate degrees in 2024. Currently, Campbell says about 10 of those students hold leadership positions within the institution. The college has close to 100 students enrolled in the program, with 1,168 international students in 2022-23. 

One of the school’s graduates served as the student Commencement speaker for the Bellevue College class of 2021-22. After graduating, the student was accepted to MIT on a full scholarship where she is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Additionally, the outgoing Association of Student Government president from last year, the current student government vice president this year, and the president of the Black Student Union are also graduates of Complexe Scolaire Bellevue. 

Nicki Biashikila, a graduate of the program, said Bellevue College made a significant difference in her educational journey. At just 17 years old, fresh out of high school, she moved across the world in 2015 to Washington state. 

“Just coming to Bellevue College and learning the education system, everybody was so welcoming,” Biashikila recalled, noting that instructors care about helping students grow and in figuring out what to do with their lives after college.  

Now a manufacturing engineer pursuing her master’s in financial engineering, Biashikila recalls her time at the college as an opportunity to explore her passions and grow in unexpected ways. 

“I even had one of my English professors actually refer me to the writing lab to tutor,” she said, adding that she was initially uncertain because English is her second language. “At first it was a little bit challenging, but I really grasped that opportunity to grow, and also to understand that life in the U.S. and at Bellevue College is not about how smart you are or how well you speak English, but it’s all about your passions and your drive—just removing yourself from your comfort zone to always challenge yourself to be your best. And I think Bellevue College really supported me in that process.” 

In addition to college studies, the Complexe Scolaire Bellevue partnership provides opportunities for students from the Democratic Republic of Congo to attend a summer trip focused on leadership, environmental management, and English learning.