SEATTLE -- More than $6.1 million in investments from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Ford Foundation will support new programs in the state of Washington, according to a news release from the Gates Foundation.

The Washington State Student Completion Initiative, aimed at dramatically increasing community college completion rates, is funded by the Legislature, a $5.3 million investment by the Gates Foundation, and $800,000 from the Ford Foundation.

"As Washington competes in the global economy, it is critical that we have the most highly skilled workforce available," Gov. Chris Gregoire said. "That starts with our community and technical colleges."

While state-level funding was announced Thursday, it's unclear how much money will come to Yakima Valley Community College. There will be an application process and the local dollar figure should be available in March, said Janelle Runyon, director of communications for the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.