OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges recently selected 12 community and technical college projects to receive workforce development funds. These funds aim to help industry thrive and expand in Washington state while continuing to support the development of a skilled workforce.

The awards support projects that address the changing needs and expectations of industry and prospective students, or that bolster local workforce and economic development initiatives. 

The selected college projects, chosen through a competitive process, are:

  • Expanding Carpentry Training and Certification for Union Job Pathways — Bates Technical College
  • Transforming Access to Process Technology Education — Bellingham Technical College
  • Healthcare Pathways Regional Coordination for Southwest Washington — Clark College
  • Accelerated Industrial Mechatronics — Clover Park Technical College
  • Bring The OC Welding Program up to Industry Standards and Expand Access — Olympic College
  • Construction Technology Program: Building Skills for Tomorrow's Innovations — Peninsula College
  • Precision Metal Fabrication Upgrade — Renton Technical College
  • Modernizing Fire and EMT Programs for a Resilient Workforce — Skagit Valley College Consortium
  • High-Precision Manufacturing Initiative — South Puget Sound Community College
  • SSC Automotive Technology EV Training — South Seattle College
  • Renewable Energy Certificate — Walla Walla Community College
  • Competency-Based Education for Industry and Degree Seeking Students — Wenatchee Valley College

Funding for these one-time projects comes from the State Board’s Workforce Development Fund (WDF) program, which includes Invest in Washington funding. The awarded projects reflect the WDF’s commitment to fostering economic growth, supporting innovative programming, and addressing critical workforce needs across Washington state.

“Workforce Development Funds provide resources to colleges to create projects that directly impact the way training programs align with current industry practice and recruitment needs,” said Carolyn McKinnon, policy associate for WDF. “Successful projects make it possible for colleges to make both an immediate and lasting impact for the students and industries in their communities.”

Total funding awarded for the fiscal year is $1,582,000.