PRESS RELEASE: Communities Across Washington Awarded Grants to Drive Student Career Opportunities

Career Connect Washington announces state-wide grants for Regional Network implementation and expansion.

 

Contact:

Migee Han, Chief Development and Communications Officer
Washington STEM
Migee@washingtonstem.org

Seattle, Washington—After a rigorous application process, Career Connect Washington announced they have selected 9 recipients to receive a $100,000 grant to develop or enhance Regional Networks as a part of Career Connect Washington, an initiative to connect young people with high-demand, high-wage careers in Washington. Most of the successful bids included participation by one or more of the STEM Networks on their strategic leadership teams.

Regional Networks are the key to scaling career connected learning statewide and will play an integral role in convening and managing regional, cross-industry partnerships that will lead to expansion of opportunities for Washington youth. This work will benefit students who face greater barriers to opportunity as well as the business community looking to recruit a new generation of workers.”

“These grants are an exciting next step in furthering our commitment to equitable education and family-sustaining career opportunities for Washington students. Our regional partners across the state will be able to leverage these funds to create and expand credential and career opportunities while meeting the demand for a STEM-skilled workforce. With STEM networks and new partners, we’re excited about the opportunity to expand our collective impact,” said Angela Jones, Washington STEM CEO.

The following organizations have been named as Career Connect Regional Networks, and involved STEM Networks as noted:

  • Workforce Snohomish (supporting partners include Snohomish STEM and Skagit STEM Networks)
  • North Central Educational Service District 171 (led by the Apple STEM Network)
  • Educational Service District 112 (led by the Southwest Washington STEM Network)
  • Educational Service District 105 (backbone organization of the South Central STEM Network)
  • Capital Region Educational Service District 113 (led by the Capital STEAM Network)
  • Washington State STEM Education Foundation (includes the Mid-Columbia STEM Network)
  • Washington Alliance for Better Schools
  • South Kitsap School District # 402 (led by the West Sound STEM Network)
  • Greater Spokane Incorporated (led by the Spokane STEM Network)

Regional Networks will convene and support Career Connect Intermediaries and other local partners in the region, help them achieve their outcomes related to Career Launch endorsement and participation of young people in Career Launch, Career Preparation, and Career Exploration and Awareness activities, and ensure equitable inclusion of youth of color, low income youth, youth from rural communities and youth with disabilities.

Washington STEM has played a significant role in the formulation of and advocacy for Career Connect Washington and has led the Data and Measurement subcommittee, which helped inform the requirements of these grant funds to be used equitably in service of Washington students. Washington STEM also supported bidders during the RFP process by providing regionalized credential and career data, program area technical assistance, and convening regional actors.

About Washington STEM

Washington STEM is a statewide, independent nonprofit organization headquartered in Seattle, WA. Launched in 2011 and founded on the principles of equity, partnership, and sustainability, we seek smart, scalable solutions that lead to opportunities for those students most underserved and underrepresented in STEM fields.  We believe that through a high-quality STEM education, Washington students will become the leaders, critical thinkers, and creators that will tackle the biggest challenges facing our state, nation, and the world.

The organization’s STEM Networks across the state bring educators, business leaders, STEM professionals, and community leaders together to connect students with STEM career opportunities in their communities. STEM Networks bring real-world STEM learning experiences to students where they live so every student has the skills that are increasing in demand in the state.