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The Buzzworthy Happenings:
STEM Updates and Q4 Recap
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Now on LinkedIn: Snohomish STEM
At Snohomish STEM, we’re committed to investing in the future workforce by connecting education with industry across Snohomish County and beyond. Through programs like STEM Like Me!®, ECHO Tour℠, and Spring into STEM℠, we’re helping students discover career pathways in STEM and gain hands-on experience that prepares them for high-demand fields.
What We Do:
• Empower students to explore STEM careers
• Bridge the gap between classrooms and industry
• Support local businesses by developing skilled talent
Together with our partners, we’re creating opportunities for students to build skills and confidence, contributing to a vibrant and equitable 21st-century workforce where possibilities are boundless.
Follow our page to stay updated on our programs, partnership opportunities, and ways to get involved in building the future workforce!
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Washington STEM Summit 2024
Washington STEM held their annual STEM Summit in early November, and it was a full agenda. The luncheon celebrated the 2024 Rising Stars, comprised of eleven students from across the state who use STEM learning to power their imaginations and contribute to their communities. There was also recognition for their 2024 Legislators of the Year: Sen. T'wina Nobles (28th District) and Rep. Alex Ybarra (13th District), and they honored Gov. Jay Inslee's career-long dedication to supporting STEM education, building a strong future workforce, and advancing climate justice. Read more here.
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CAREER CONNECTED LEARNING | | |
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STEM Like Me! Fall 2024
This fall, the Snohomish STEM Network wrapped up an incredible season of STEM Like Me!® events, connecting over 600 students across Snohomish County with hands-on learning and real-world career insights. Thanks to the dedication of our amazing partners, these events have sparked curiosity and increased interest for pursuing careers in STEM fields.
Survey results speak volumes: 74% of participating students reported a better understanding of STEM careers and pathways, and 50% said they are more interested in pursuing a STEM career. These numbers highlight the power of collaborating and investing in our future workforce. This success wouldn’t have been possible without the energy and commitment of our partners, who are shaping tomorrow’s workforce and igniting a passion for innovation. Thank you to our new and returning career speakers: Core Design Inc., Eckstrom Industries, Harmsen LLC., NW Maritime Apprenticeship, Snohomish County Public Works, Snohomish PUD, Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center, Washington Poison Center, and Zap Energy.
Want to get involved? Join us as a career speaker or support our initiatives through sponsorships. Learn more at snohomishstem.org/stemlikeme or contact Megan Benzing at MeganB@snohomishstem.org.
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ECHO Tour: Fall 2024 & Looking Ahead
This fall, Snohomish STEM teamed up with Career Connect NW to close out the inaugural year of the ECHO Tour℠— a hands-on healthcare career exploration event. The fall session brought together 125 students from five middle schools across Snohomish County, and the results show the lasting impact.
After the event, 89% of students increased their understanding of healthcare career pathways, and 60% were more interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. These numbers highlight the incredible work of our partners, whose dedication inspires and shapes the next generation of healthcare professionals. Together, we are investing in our future workforce!
Want to get involved? Join us as a career speaker, volunteer, or sponsor and play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals℠. Learn more at SnohomishSTEM.org/ECHOtour or contact Megan Benzing at MeganB@snohomishstem.org.
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Explore IT℠: Computer Science and IT Career Exploration
Everett Public Schools, Everett Community College, Snohomish STEM and Career Connect NW partnered together to pilot a new career exploration program called Explore IT℠.
Over sixty students participated in this one-day event which included a student panel comprised of high school and college students, as well as multiple career stations where participants engaged with hands-on learning alongside local employers and educators. Big thanks to the career speakers, Snohomish PUD, Seattle Indies, and Everett Community College faculty Ryan Masinelli and Dennis Skarr.
Participants completed a survey at the completion of the program to measure impact and we are pleased to share that 85% indicated they increased knowledge of IT careers and pathways and 62% indicated they increased their desire to pursue an IT career.
Want to get involved as a career speaker and/or sponsor for next year? Reach out to Megan Benzing, Program Manager via email MeganB@snohomishstem.org.
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EvCC's AMTEC Manufacturing Week
In early October, 433 high school students explored exciting career pathways in manufacturing. The Advanced Manufacturing Training and Education Center (AMTEC) at Everett Community College hosted a multi-day event with hands-on activities and career insights. Students learned about advanced manufacturing technologies and discovered in-demand career paths in the industry. The event also welcomed the AWB Manufacturing Bus Tour (see story below), which showcased local innovations and workforce initiatives. It was an inspiring week of discovery, innovation, and connection, to support a robust future workforce pipeline to one of our largest industries.
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WSU Everett’s Girls Explore STEM
On November 9, WSU Everett hosted their Girls Explore STEM program, sparking interest in STEM careers for 100 middle and high school students. Students took part in hands-on activities and discovered the academic programs and career pathways available at WSU Everett. They also learned about financial aid and some basics on when and how to apply. The event was a big step in inspiring young minds and connecting them with opportunities in STEM, and Snohomish STEM was proud to support WSU’s dedicated faculty and volunteers. Looking ahead, WSU Everett plans to host the next Girls Explore STEM event in March 2025, continuing to empower students to explore their potential and connect with STEM professionals. Stay tuned!
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Seattle Fusion Week: Preparing for a Future in the Fusion Industry
As part of Seattle Fusion Week, Snohomish STEM participated in an engaging panel discussion at Washington State University Everett, hosted by CleanTech Alliance. The topic, "How to Prepare for a Future in the Fusion Industry," made for a robust discussion about the critical role companies play in shaping tomorrow's workforce. The panel featured Monica Brummer, Director at the Pacific Northwest Center of Excellence for Clean Energy; Dr. Bobbi Makani, Executive Director of the Career Center at San Jose State University; and Snohomish STEM Director Alyssa Jackson. Together, the discussion highlighted practical ways businesses can invest in their future workforce through career-connected learning opportunities such as career exploration programs, CTE advisory committees, student internships, job site tours, and more. In partnership with Career Connect NW, educators were offered clock hours for attending. At Snohomish STEM, we’re dedicated to bridging the gap between business and education to support a strong talent pipeline equipped with the 21st-century skills needed to thrive in emerging industries like fusion energy..
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Automation Panel Discussion at FANUC Event
The need for skilled workers with automation training and certifications continues to grow, and this past October, FANUC America Corporation co-hosted a convening with Everett Community College to dive deeper into the topic. Sinead Fitzpatrick Plagge represented Career Connect NW as a panelist, alongside representatives from Amazon, FANUC, Airbus Robotics, and Everett Community College for a discussion on: “Aligning Skills Between Industry and Education.” They discussed the challenges facing the manufacturing sector and the opportunities that funding and educational programs can offer employers, workers and students. innovative ways for industry to bridge career pathways from K-12 all the way to college programs.
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New Short Videos: FAFSA & WASFA Walkthrough Videos in English & Spanish
This year’s FAFSA opened December 1 with new changes to the application. College Success Foundation (CSF) added more short videos to their series geared toward helping students, families, educators, and community members better understand how to navigate the FAFSA and WASFA financial aid applications.
It's an easy-to-understand, accessible video series offered in both English and Spanish by CSF experts! Please share them widely! To access the entire YouTube playlist of English and Spanish videos, click here.
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College Success Foundation & FARNS Present at Everett Community College
Bre Olason, Northwest Coastal financial aid expert for College Success Foundation, and our partners at Financial Aid Resources Network of Snohomish (FARNS) were honored to present about financial aid to a group of Snohomish County high school counselors in October at Everett Community College. We provided updates, shared resources and promising practices to help practitioners support seniors with FAFSA/WASFA completion this year.
The county-wide partnership, FARNS, was established and funded by a small grant from Everett Community College to increase FAFSA/WASFA completion across Snohomish County. Core members of FARNS are The Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish, Keep Dreams Alive, Snohomish STEM, College Success Foundation NW Coastal and Everett Community College. Considering the challenges of this past year's FAFSA application process, we're excited to get important information, strategies, and tips into the hands of those who can use them!
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EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE | |
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This program is proudly supported, in whole or in part, by:
- Washington STEM
- Career Connect Washington
- The Boeing Global Engagement Grant
- Federal award number SLFRP0194 awarded to Snohomish County by the US Department of Treasury
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The Snohomish STEM Network is one of 10 STEM Networks working collectively with Washington STEM to create solutions and partnerships that bring STEM education to Washington students, especially those historically underrepresented in STEM fields like students of color, girls and young women, students living in poverty, and students living in rural areas. | | | | |
