District Workforce Development Newsletter - December 2024

• In collaboration with the Port of Seattle and Port Jobs, South Seattle College launched an on-ramp course at the airport that introduces underserved and marginalized populations to a career pathway in Ground Support Equipment. To further support this initiative, The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges approved the first publicly offered GSE curriculum in the U.S. The first cohort for interested students begins this spring.
• At North Seattle College, the Workforce Accounting and Business Experiential Learning Fellowship continues to incentivize students pursuing unpaid internships in Accounting and Business programs through stipends.
• Innovation in Early Childhood Education programs at North Seattle College has been bolstered by a grant from the Early Educator Investment Collaborative, enabling the offering of certificates and degrees in multiple languages and focusing on anti-bias education and supported pathways.
• North Seattle College received a $100,000 renewal from Johnson Controls to enhance the Electronics Technology program, building on previous successes with scholarships, lab support, and student services.
• This quarter also marked the launch of a districtwide IT Technical Advisory Committee, which is providing industry expertise to inform curriculum updates.
• At Central, Career Connect endorsements have supported critical updates to culinary and dental equipment.
• Corporate and Customized Training secured over $1.5 million in grants and contracts to support projects across key industries in Washington state.
• Updates to the Start Next Quarter platform have further streamlined workforce funding eligibility for students.
• Seattle Colleges supported the Equalux Gala’s success in raising nearly $900,000 for culinary scholarships.
• South Seattle College  participated in the Bright Future Career Fair, connecting students with career opportunities in high-demand fields.
• The Handshake & Headshots event offered students networking opportunities and professional headshots this quarter.
• Our collaboration with Seattle Public Schools at the Limitless Convention focused on transformative education practices.
• District Workforce office continues to support building internship positions and remind departments that they can collaborate with us to develop new internship opportunities.
• The Workforce Education Council Fall 2024 meeting explored initiatives to enhance workforce training.
• The Districtwide Workforce Fall meeting focused on strengthening collaboration across campuses and reinstating a districtwide Dean’s Council.

Representing Seattle Colleges, Dean Ferdinand Orbino, Dean of Instruction at South Seattle College, and Dr. Dalia Sherif, Senior Executive Director of Workforce Development, enthusiastically engaged with over 600 students throughout the day. Together, they highlighted the innovative programs offered at South Seattle College and across the district, inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals to consider careers in these dynamic and high-demand fields.

Through hands-on materials, passionate conversations, and a focus on future-forward industries, our team made a strong impression on students and demonstrated Seattle Colleges' pivotal role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow.  

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to create opportunities for students and build stronger connections with our community and industry partners!

The Workforce Development Team from Seattle Colleges, alongside counterparts from Seattle Public Schools, attended the Limitless Convention held November 18-20 at the Ilani Resort in Ridgefield, Washington. Sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the event focused on transformative practices in higher education aimed at defeating fragmentation and fostering coherent, sustainable progress.

A central theme of the convention was the Coherence Model, a strategic framework designed to align systems, policies, and practices within higher education. By bridging gaps and addressing silos, the Coherence Model promotes collaboration, equity, and streamlined efforts that lead to measurable student success.

Participants explored how this approach could revolutionize pathways from high school to college and into the workforce, ensuring smoother transitions for students and more impactful partnerships with industry. Key sessions included insights on breaking down institutional barriers, embedding equity at the core of decision-making, and designing workforce programs that respond to real-world demands.

Attendees also engaged in dynamic discussions about creating partnerships that reflect the shared goals of K-12 education, higher education, and the workforce. The collaboration between Seattle Colleges and Seattle Public Schools at this event exemplifies the shared commitment to advancing equitable opportunities for all students.

Workforce Education Council (WEC) Meeting on October 16-18 at Whatcom Community College. WEC is a council of the Instruction Commission (IC) and the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges (WACTC). In collaboration with representatives of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the Centers of Excellence, organized labor, and the Association of Washington Business, WEC explores and develops initiatives to improve access to workforce training, boost local economic development, and expand services for dislocated workers in the state. The most notable highlight was the new Professional Development and Certification Tracking System. The full WEC 24-25 plan is available here.

The Georgetown Campus hosted a meeting where Workforce Deans and Directors from across the Seattle Colleges discussed and explored new initiatives. Key topics included the creation of a Dean’s Council to unify Workforce deans, enhancing centralized support through a district-level program manager, and upcoming training on Perkins V, CLNA, and KPIs.

Additionally, the group delved into innovative strategies for faculty recruitment, securing funding for professional development and equipment, and supporting experiential learning through funding unpaid internships. Looking ahead, a needs assessment survey will be distributed to guide priorities, and quarterly meetings are planned to maintain this productive momentum.