District Workforce Development Newsletter - February 2025

The program, conceived since July 2024, connects South Seattle College Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) students with industry professionals at Alaska Airlines. Career Specialist Willow Schooler (they/them/theirs) played a key role in developing the program, working with Whitney Keyes, Executive Director of Corporate Partnerships, to secure the grant funding. The primary goal is to provide students with access to career mentoring, enhance soft skills, build industry connections, and improve career opportunities. “It is absolutely what you know, but it is also absolutely who you know”, Willow emphasized, highlighting the importance of networking in the aviation field.

Student participants, who were recruited in late October/early November with an application due date of November 15th, are matched with mentors based on their career interests. Mentors include A&P technicians, avionics technicians, operations technicians, and members of Alaska Airlines' management team. Crucially, Chris Pratt and Nic Kula, both members of the Technical Advisory Committee for South Seattle College's Aviation Maintenance Program (and alumni of the program), have led efforts to recruit mentors from Alaska Airlines.

The program's structure includes a kickoff event (held on February 19, 2025, at Alaska Airlines' M&E facility), job shadowing opportunities, and a wrap-up event in late spring. The kickoff event featured a 90-minute hangar tour, providing students with a "boots on the ground perspective" of the industry, as Willow noted. Alaska Airlines allows mentors to participate during their paid work hours, demonstrating a significant commitment to the program's success.

The program directly aligns with Seattle Colleges' commitment to workforce development and equity. It addresses the need for skilled aviation technicians and aims to provide opportunities for students who may lack intergenerational connections to the industry. Recent statistics indicate that women make up only about 5% of the aviation workforce, highlighting the need for greater inclusivity.

Program evaluation will involve collecting case studies from participants and assessing the potential impact on student retention. "We are, you know, we're just taking off, but there's still a lot of jet fuel in the tank," Willow stated, expressing optimism for the program's future. "I wanted to thank you and your team for arranging the mentorship program with Alaska Airlines on Wednesday. I found the initial meeting to be quite informative and look forward to the subsequent meetings," said Chad Burton, a representative from Alaska Airlines.

Seattle Colleges is proud to announce a transformative partnership with Toyota of Seattle, a collaboration set to reshape the future of automotive education and workforce development. This bold initiative aims to bridge critical industry gaps, equip students with cutting-edge skills, and create powerful pathways to high-demand careers in the automotive sector.

At the heart of this collaboration is the Toyota Education College Support (TECS) program, which will provide students with access to advanced training, state-of-the-art vehicles, and real-world industry expertise. As an extension of this program, TECSElite offers even more specialized resources, reinforcing Seattle Colleges' commitment to producing the next generation of top-tier automotive professionals. By securing the right vehicles tailored to curriculum needs, this partnership will ensure that students receive unparalleled hands-on experience with the latest automotive technology.

Beyond the classroom, this partnership extends to industry-wide engagement, with Toyota and WSADA (Washington State Auto Dealers Association) working together to involve a network of dealerships and service providers. This collaboration will unlock new career opportunities, connect students with mentors and employers, and strengthen the local workforce pipeline. Additionally, through WrenchWay School Connect, Seattle Colleges will gain direct access to automotive businesses and independent repair facilities, creating even more avenues for student success.

To ensure Seattle Colleges remains at the forefront of automotive education, the program will align with ASE Education Foundation standards, keeping the curriculum in step with the latest industry advancements. By integrating employer needs with classroom learning, students will graduate workforce-ready, competitive, and equipped for leadership in the field.

This partnership represents more than just an educational initiative—it’s a bold step toward redefining workforce development, fueling innovation, and empowering students to drive the future of the automotive industry. With Toyota of Marysville and Toyota Regional as a strategic partner, Seattle Colleges is accelerating toward a future where students don’t just learn about the industry—they lead it.

At this year’s Community College Baccalaureate Association (CCBA) Conference, Dr. Sherif and Dr. Angel Hayoung Kim co-presented on Academic Credit for Prior Learning (ACPL) as a Gateway to Opportunity. Their session explored how ACPL helps expand opportunities by recognizing students' prior knowledge, accelerating degree completion, increasing non-traditional enrollment for working adults with skills but no degree, and reducing financial burdens—particularly for underserved populations.

The presentation reinforced the need for institutions to implement opportunity-focused ACPL policies and continue fostering inclusive learning opportunities. Their work emphasizes the importance of valuing all forms of learning and ensuring accessible pathways and expanding enrollment opportunities for non-traditional students for students of all backgrounds.

A major highlight of the conference was Dr. Sherif (below) receiving the Promising Practice Medallion for the fourth time, recognizing her dedication to equitable education, student success, and community college baccalaureate expansion.

Dr. Dalia Sherif, Senior Executive Director for Workforce Development along with Seattle Colleges faculty and staff proudly represented Seattle Colleges at the WDI Conference. Dr Sherif attended the Lowe’s Foundation reception to celebrate the partnership on behalf of the institution. As a major corporate partner in the Wood Tech program, Lowe’s Foundation has been instrumental in supporting workforce development initiatives, and this recognition highlights Seattle Colleges’ leadership in expanding opportunities in skilled trades education and securing future funding. Seattle Colleges is a recipient of the Gable Grant from the Foundation, with the Wood Tech Center honored as a Cohort 1 recipient, further solidifying its position as a leader in workforce training.

During the reception, Dr. Sherif engaged with industry leaders, strengthening partnerships and discussing strategies to enhance workforce education and secure additional funding for Seattle Colleges. She also participated in Lowe’s Workshop Session 33, where she contributed to conversations on innovative approaches to expanding community college workforce programs alongside other grant recipients, including MiraCosta College, Midlands Technical College, and Valencia College. Her active participation and leadership at these events underscore Seattle Colleges’ commitment to building strong industry connections, advancing career pathways for students, and driving long-term success in workforce education.

Mercedes Benz of Seattle is proud to announce its continued collaboration with South Seattle College’s Automotive Program, reinforcing a shared commitment to enhancing student learning, industry readiness, and career development. Since September 2023, this partnership has provided students with real-world experiences and valuable career pathways in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.

Driving Innovation in Automotive Education

Through this collaboration, Mercedes Benz of Seattle is equipping students with access to cutting-edge technology. By supplying the latest industry tools, including engines, cylinder heads, electric parking brakes, differentials, and rotors for machining, students gain hands-on training with real-world automotive components, preparing them for success in the workforce.

Creating Career Pathways

In addition to technical training, Mercedes Benz of Seattle is committed to student recruitment and career development. The dealership actively recruits students from South Seattle College’s Automotive Program, offering them opportunities to launch long-term careers within the automotive industry. By fostering these relationships, the program bridges the gap between classroom learning and industry employment.

Expanding Career Development Initiatives

A key focus of this partnership is the growth of the Career Launch Program, which ensures students receive both academic knowledge and hands-on experience that aligns with workforce demands. By integrating education with industry needs, this initiative strengthens students’ career readiness, positioning them for success in the ever-evolving automotive landscape

The partnership will focus on bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world experience in global trade and commerce. Key areas of collaboration include:

• Industry-Integrated Learning: Connecting BAS students with businesses to conduct market research projects focused on international trade. This will provide students with hands-on experience and valuable insights into industry challenges and opportunities.
• Paid Internship Opportunities: Exploring pathways for students to secure paid internships within the U.S. Department of Commerce and with local export businesses. These internships will provide students with practical experience in international business operations.
• Advisory Board Expansion: Diane Mooney, Director at the U.S. Export Assistance Center (part of the USFCS), has agreed to join the North Seattle International Business advisory board. Ms. Mooney will also work to recruit other industry leaders, strengthening the connections between academia and the international business sector.

The connection to Diane Mooney was facilitated by Dr. Dalia Sherif, Senior Executive Director for Workforce Development at Seattle Colleges, whose previous experience with the U.S. Department of Commerce played a key role in establishing this strategic partnership.

This collaboration represents a significant step in positioning Seattle Colleges as a leader in global workforce development. By fostering strong education-industry partnerships, Seattle Colleges is committed to enhancing workforce development, expanding student opportunities in global trade and commerce, and exploring ways to increase international student enrollment in BAS programs.