Innovate. Educate. Achieve.


PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

As educators and students begin settling into new routines, the STEM and Career Connect Learning (CCL) Teams at the NWESD have hit the ground running with several exciting new initiatives to help our region’s teachers inspire and equip students with the skills and tools necessary to complete in a global economy! 
 
Visit the new page and find STEM-related professional development opportunities, resources to train teachers, upcoming grant opportunities, review of instructional technology and data support science programs, the latest STEM news and contacts at the NWESD to support local STEM initiatives. 
 
Be sure to check out the latest copy of Education Connection to learn more about new and exciting initiatives and resources.

Visit the new website for our Career Connect Washington Northwest Regional Network (CCW NW) and discover grant and funding opportunities, a list of past grant recipients and initiatives, and links to the CCW statewide directory, and more! CCW NW is one of nine regional career connected learning networks under the larger Career Connect Washington (CCW) organization. The CCW NW Network serves communities in Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties.  
 
By working together, the CCW NW Network is a catalyst for industry, education, and community partners to collectively meet the career development needs of Northwest Washington’s youth in an equitable and accessible way.
SNOHOMISH STEM NETWORK UPDATES
Boeing invests in local Career Connected Learning efforts

Economic Alliance Snohomish County is a newly named recipient of a significant Boeing Global Engagement grant. With equity and access at the forefront of these efforts, EASC and Snohomish STEM will use this grant to increase access to Career Connected Learning experiences positioning students to enter STEM related careers.  
 
Economic Alliance Snohomish County will focus their efforts on addressing systemic barriers that disproportionately impact traditionally underserved populations. EASC intends to use this grant funding to expand Career Connected Learning opportunities to community organizations who connect with students and families to support multigenerational engagement. 
 
“We are grateful to Boeing for investing in future talent locally in Snohomish County,” said Alyssa Jackson, Acting Director of Snohomish STEM Network and Co-Director of Career Connect Washington NW Region. “Their generous grant enhances our ability to engage and partner with business and community organizations to expand our programming with intentional opportunities for priority populations who are often underrepresented in STEM related careers.” 
 
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries in STEM occupations pay more than double, on average, that of non-STEM occupations. Yet, traditionally underserved populations remain vastly underrepresented in STEM occupations. EASC hopes to use the Boeing grant funding to address this issue regionally. 
 
Nationally, STEM related jobs are expected to grow rapidly through 2030. Talent demand is consistently identified as being a top priority for growing or doing business in our region. Career Connected Learning remains a high-priority solution to workforce issues. 
 
“Local industries and businesses have amazing opportunities to inspire students and engage future talent through career connected learning experiences developed right here at Economic Alliance Snohomish County,” said Garry Clark, President & CEO Economic Alliance Snohomish County. “Our strong partnership with Boeing ensures we continue to implement our existing programs while also extending them to community organizations with continued reach beyond the classroom.” 

$8 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS. The Washington Department of Labor and Industries urges apprenticeship programs across the state to apply as soon as possible to receive their share of $8 million in grant funding. While the application period runs through Dec. 31, the deadline to spend the funds is June 30, 2023. 
 
Grant opportunities include: 
  - Technology and remote learning ($2.37M) 
  - Equipment upgrading ($3.8M) 
  - Driver education course vouchers for minors ($12,000) 
  - Wrap-around support services ($1.9M) 
 
Application and additional details here. 

Coming up on October 26th, join over 600 individuals from a variety of industries representing businesses across the North Puget Sound region for a day of panel discussions, training opportunities, an exhibition hall to access valuable resources, and networking. Join us at the Lynnwood Convention Center starting at 8 a.m., tickets are $20-25. Be sure to stop in for the Career Connected Learning Panel at 11:30am! 
 
Exhibitor opportunity – Showcase your business to more than 600 attendees at the 2022 North Puget Sound Small Business Summit by registering as an exhibitor today! 

It’s financial aid season, do you need help submitting your FAFSA or WASFA? Everett Community College, Snohomish STEM, the Washington Student Achievement Council, and Economic Alliance Snohomish County have teamed up to provide FREE expert help completing the FAFSA or WASFA at the Financial Aid Workshop on Saturday, October 15, 10am-12pm. 
 
This event is open to ALL high school seniors who need help completing their FAFSA/WASFA, even if you do not plan to attend EvCC. Preregister using this link for a chance to win one of many $50 Amazon gift cards. Light refreshments will be provided. Additional information will be emailed to preregistered guests prior to the event. 
 
Help is available in English and Spanish. Ayuda está disponible en inglés y español. 
 
 
United by our drive to improve accessibility to college and career-readiness programming among Washington state students, Snohomish STEM Network joined forces with College Success Foundation Northwest Coastal, NW STEM Network, and Futures Northwest to develop a unique strategy for increasing FAFSA/WASFA completion rates. 
 
We focused on elevating real student voices in TikTok-style videos that promote awareness of financial aid from state and federal sources. By tailoring these videos to the trending social media platforms most aligned with students’ content consumption habits, we hope to effectively amplify this important educational material as young people consider their post-secondary plans. 
 
In total, seven TikTok-style videos (five in English and two in Spanish) were produced, providing valuable summaries and quick tips on why FAFSA/WASFA matters and how to properly submit applications. Please share and be sure to check out our all of our student-made FAFSA registration shorts: https://bit.ly/3RyYXVM. 
Data Analytics event at Boys & Girls Club with WSU Everett

On July 31, Washington State University Everett partnered with Dr. Jan Dasgupta, Director of Data Analytics and Professor of Statistics, from WSU Pullman to pilot a multigenerational data playshop. The children were asked strategy questions to help them make data-informed decisions playing games including an M&M guessing game, UNO and dice games. The goal of the pilot was to spark interest and engage in hands-on data literacy with children and their families. Thanks to the Everett Boys and Girls Club for hosting the event, and big thanks to the volunteers and the community effort to bring this pilot to Everett! 
 
Dr. Dasgupta previously piloted the data playshop in Cashmere and Tri Cities, which was covered in an article in AMSTAT News. Dasgupta spoke of the major “gaps in access to training in data science, with unequal access across racial and ethnic groups. The issue of unequal access exists in all STEM fields, but it is exacerbated in data science, as unequal racial representation translates to algorithm writers who are nondiverse and unrepresented communities that are victims of algorithmic bias.” 
STEM CAREERS, TRAINING & RESOURCES
Edmonds College Manufacturing Month

Career Fair, October 5, 4pm-6pm: Join us on campus for a tour of Manufacturing Month: Manufacturing Fair led by Su Nelson, our STEM Manager at Edmonds College. Visit and network with local employers, including Crane Aerospace, Royell Manufacturing and ACS Cutting Solutions. Light refreshments will be provided. 
 
Tour of the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center (AMSC), October 6, 10am & 3pm: Join us on an organized tour of the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center (AMSC) led by Sheila Durham, Associate Director of Washington Aerospace Training & Research Center (WATR) and Cindy Fisher, Retention Specialist at AMSC. Come learn about Aerospace, Creative Technology, Marine, and AI & Robotics!
EvCC AMTEC Facility Tours and Information Sessions

Join a Facility Tours and Information Sessions at EvCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Training and Education Center (AMTEC). This facility is a one-of-a-kind 54,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art training center where students train with the latest manufacturing technologies. AMTEC’s faculty teams go beyond the typical classroom environment to mentor students through hands-on, collaborative projects. Next Info Session on October 12, 2022. 

October brings opportunities for businesses to participate in one of the following Career Services fairs: 
 
-Fall Job and Internship Fair (formerly All-Industries Fair): October 19, 2022 
-Science & Engineering Fair (formerly Tech & Engineering): October 20, 2022 
-Virtual Career Fair: October 28, 2022 

Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center is hosting an annual Apprenticeship Career + Job Fair in recognition of National Apprenticeship Week. Over 30 apprenticeship programs from King, Pierce, Snohomish, Whatcom, and Skagit Counties will be on display with hands-on activities and information regarding their training programs. 
 
There will be apprenticeship programs representing the following industries: 
  • construction 
  • advanced manufacturing 
  • aerospace, transportation 
  • carpentry 
  • IT 
  • maritime 
 
Please RSVP at Eventbrite here or use QR code
LOCAL STEM NEWS

Join Washington Communities for Children September 28-30 for Beyond Connection, the first-ever WCFC Conference. During this 3-day virtual event, choose from more than 15 sessions that will connect you to innovative ideas that are impacting children and families across Washington. The conference will redefine what it means to be an expert by spotlighting the champions that live and work among us. 
 
STARS credit available for most sessions; additional information available here

Saturday, October 29, 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM, Come and experience a hands-on, fun filled day of interactive workshops. High school and middle school students - wear your costumes and make the experience SPOOKY indeed. Lunch, and cool prices giveaways are provided. Our intentional outreach is African American, Latino, and Native American males 13-18, however the program is inclusive of all youth. We have an almost equal parity of girls that participate in our programs.

Discover together with brand-new interactive exhibits in 33,000 sq. ft. of additional museum space at Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett! Check out their new hours and come by to play; no reservations required. 

Starting July 2021 ‘Coding in Minecraft’ is available at no additional cost to any public school in the WA State under an agreement between Microsoft, Prodigy Learning and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. 
 
AVAILABLE TO ALL WASHINGTON Public Schools - Schools have full unlimited access to all curriculum and credentials in the pathway and can take advantage of FREE ‘Coding in Minecraft’ Teacher Professional Development. 
 
For more information visit codingcredentials.com/wa  
 
Contact: wa@codingcredentials.com 
Girls Who Code: Computer Science opportunities! 

Girls Who Code Clubs are spaces where girls can join a sisterhood of supportive peers and use computer science to change the world! 
 
Everett Public Library has clubs for 3rd-5th grade and 6th-12th grade where girls learn the foundational skills and understanding of computer science concepts and build the skills needed to make an impact. More information here
 
Sno-Isle Libraries is here to help your elementary student have a great year! The ultimate school supply is a library card. Sign up online or at the library to get access to all physical and digital materials. You can choose how to get the most out of your library with in-building, online, and contact-free services
 
Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15-October 15 as a way to acknowledge and honor the cultures, history, and accomplishments of Hispanic Americans past and present. The 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month theme is Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation (archives.gov). Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and check out these resource links: STEM Superheroes (staff list) and Amazing Artists of Hispanic Heritage.  
FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid opens October 1 each year, and Kimberly, a recent EvCC student, has some financial aid tips to share. The video is in Spanish with English subtitles. Check out the video link here!
How to Apply for Financial Aid: FAFSA & WASFA 

You'll never know if you don't apply! Applying for financial aid is the only way to know for sure whether you qualify to get money for more education beyond high school. Do you need help completing your financial aid applications? The 12th Year Campaign hosts ongoing virtual financial aid information sessions to help students and families apply for college and financial aid. There are affordable college and career training opportunities for everyone, check out a virtual event today! 

In Washington, students don’t have to be U.S. citizens to get state financial aid or resident tuition. There are different ways to qualify for immigrant students—including those who are undocumented. More information here: https://wsac.wa.gov/immigrants.  
Resources:
LET'S GET SOCIAL
Follow us on social media to stay up to date with STEM news and events happening in Snohomish County.
STEM PUZZLE
Can you solve these riddles: 
(a) Twelve cars were lined up bumper to bumper. How many bumpers were touching each other? 
(b) Would it be cheaper for you to take one friend to the movies twice or two friends at the same time? 
(c) If a doctor gave you 5 pills and told you to take one every half hour, how long would they last?
Decode the answer using: b=a, c=b, d=c, e=d 
Coded Answer: uxfouzuxp; uxp gsjfoet bu tbnf ujnf; uxp ipvst 
Decoded Answer at the bottom
Decoded Answer: uxfouzuxp, uxp gsjfoet bu tbnf ujnf, uxp ipvst = twentytwo; two friends at same time; two hours