The Apple STEM Network, along with Career Connected Learning Grant & Adams County, released “Connecting Our Future”, a video that highlights efforts being made in the Columbia Basin region to develop workforce through career-connected learning opportunities for students.
The video features partners from across that region that have been working to close the gap between students and industry. The video highlights the Othello Career Showcase, an annual event at Othello High School that brings over 1,500 students in contact with local careers. The video also shows how companies like SGL Composites, Chemi-Con Materials, and JR Simplot have begun to invite students, parents and community into their businesses through tours and apprenticeships.
Produced by North Central Washington’s Technology Alliance, GWATA, the video discusses the history of career-connected learning initiatives in Washington State, including Governor Jay Inslee’s introduction of Career Connect Washington, a statewide focus on improving the ability of young people to connect with high-demand, high-wage careers in Washington.
In addition, the video highlights a variety of regional manufacturers, economic development leaders, and students who have spent the past few years creating resources and opportunities for students to connect with family-wage jobs in the Columbia Basin, including the formation of the Workforce Alliance group and a burgeoning partnership between Moses Lake School District and community agencies like the Port of Moses Lake and Grant County Economic Development Council.
The 10-minute video features: SGL Composites, Grant County Economic Development Council, Port of Moses Lake, Chemi-con Materials, Adams County Development Council, JR Simplot Othello, and Othello School District.
Cari Horning Receives Knight of the Network Award
On October 24, the Apple STEM Network hosted a premiere party for the video at the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center Open House. The event was a celebration of the work done by partners from across the region.
“The Connecting Our Future video release party was a beautiful celebration of the commitment and hard work put forth by so many individuals and companies in our communities,” said Cari Horning, Career Connected Learning Specialist for the North Central Educational Service District. “To quote Annette Herup of SGL Composites, ‘It’s all about the kids,’ and that has never been more evident than by the collection of work being done across our region.”
During the event, Horning was recognized for her dedication and vision for career-connected learning in the Columbia Basin. For the past year, Horning has helped connect various partners from around the region and state to build sustainable programs and resources for the region.
Starting January 2020, Horning will step down from her role at the NCESD, moving onto a new position full of new challenges and opportunities. The Apple STEM Network and all of its partners wanted to thank Horning for her accomplishments in the Columbia Basin by awarding her the Knight of the Network award.
“Cari has served this region for the past year with her heart, and she believes in our kids,” said Dr. Sue Kane, co-director of the Apple STEM Network. “She believes that every one of them deserves to have future careers that give them the opportunity to have families and homes, fulfillment and room to grow.”