Partnering with WaNIC

Thanks to people such as Bob and Jim at Microsoft Studios for sharing their time and expertise with students and teachers who are eager to learn and have a passion for high tech.

Many Puget Sound businesses and their employees have made a difference in a student’s and/or teacher’s life. High Tech Learning Centers’ students and teachers have been spending time at these local businesses to learn more about the high tech industry.

Students learn and apply their technical skills and teachers keep their curriculum up-to-date through job shadows, mentorships, internships and other related activities at local IT organizations.

During a job shadow at Global Event Services, Brian and Heath, seniors from Redmond High School, commented, “What we’re seeing and doing here reinforces what we’re learning in class.” Owner Terry Escott said, “These are hard working students who come with good skill sets. They get a chance to do some hands-on activities in the high tech workplace. My employees grow professionally because they’re learning mentoring and leadership skills while the students are shadowing them.” The experiences are beneficial to everyone involved.

Funding and Donations

Since its inception four years ago, local matching funds as well as state and federal grants have supported the High Tech Learning Centers. The Technology Innovation Challenge Grant, the Fund for Improvement of Education, $1.1 million from the state legislature, and contributions from corporations have all helped the program reach its $4.2 million budget. Dynamic technology courses are now located in 25 Puget Sound area high schools.

Although the WaNIC school districts are continuing to seek funding from these sources, recent cuts in the state and federal budgets make these efforts difficult. Therefore, there is a great need for additional support from local companies that believe in the importance of technology education.

“These technology programs in the high schools are key to the economic future of the Puget Sound area,” said Walt Yeager, former Regional Director for Spacenet and also an HTLCs’ Advisory Board member. “We must invest in students now to produce a qualified workforce for the future. High tech companies won’t come to the area and stay without qualified employees.”

Many companies have supported the High Tech Learning Centers through donations and participation in the work-based learning program. Over 450 students and teachers have spent time at local companies in job shadows, tours, internships, mentorships and technology camps.

Be a leader in technology education by supporting the High Tech Learning Centers through funding and/or in-kind donations. Contact Pamela Darling, WaNIC Program Director, by email or phone 425.702.3304 if you would like to contribute.