Career Connected Learning creates pathways to success
Career Connected Learning creates pathways to success
Overview
We know that a strong cradle-to-career STEM education will prepare students for the most in-demand, high-paying jobs – STEM jobs. Students on strong career pathways, accessed through STEM education, are better positioned to gain jobs that provide the economic security needed to contribute to the vitality of their families, communities, and local economies.
STEM jobs are abundant in every region of our state; but, historically, students of color, students from low-income backgrounds or rural communities, and girls have faced systemic barriers preventing them from gaining access to these jobs. That is why we center equity in our approach to Career Pathways. We work to design solutions to close gaps for historically underserved communities.
What We’re Doing
Supporting STEM Networks and LASER Alliances
We are investing in, and working hand-in-hand with, 10 STEM Networks and partners across the state to change systems and support students’ access to career pathways. We also partner with Washington State LASER to ensure that state science leaders maintain a learning community that helps improve science education, removes barriers to implementation, and provide support at the school and district level.
Career Connect Washington
As a lead partner on Governor Inslee’s Career Connect Washington initiative, we support Career Connect Washington Regional Networks in identifying system barriers and, alongside our partners, design and implement programs that support Career Connected Learning and Career Pathways. We also serve on the Career Connect Washington Leadership team and lead its data and evaluation efforts.
Health Industry Leadership Table (HILT)
Washington STEM serves as a partner support organization in the Seattle King County Health Industry Leadership Table (HILT). In this role, we listen to the needs and priorities of the health industry organizations and look for the intersections between our work and ways we can support those initiatives. For example, we supported the first HILT Healthcare Career Event in 2019, which was geared towards high school students who are interested in pursuing health careers.