Covid-19 Update
Still committed to Washington Students
As our state and country prepare to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, Career Connect Washington remains committed to creating opportunities that launch every Washington student into college and career.
“It helps kids be able to make a plan and get to know their abilities for direction. They can go in and say, ‘Whoa, this is not me at all,’ or ‘Maybe this is the thing.’”
“Their on-site ‘learning’ environment seemed to be a great bridge into the working world which can seem very different from high school.”
“My kids will hear about my job, but they are not going to hear about jobs that have come into existence like since I started working. So I love that it gave exposure to things they didn’t know was even a job.”
“We must change the script on how young people plan for their futures. The jobs of today and tomorrow are going to need a workforce with an advanced level of preparation, and it is essential that young people get exposed to that earlier in life.”
“A variety of opportunities including job shadows, apprenticeships and internships can help young people make the most of their next steps, whether it’s higher education, advanced training, employment or a combination of all three. Career-connected learning gives students practical work experiences that help them move forward with determination and purpose, no matter what path they choose.”
“Career-connected learning opportunities are essential to advancing equity in all Washington state communities. By exposing young people to a broad variety of careers, by showing them the path forward, and by supporting their education and training needs, we can connect young people of color to high-quality jobs across industries. Education and training options give youth and families needed ways to explore the future. Equally important is the fact that these exploratory programs don’t take away any opportunities—young people can earn while they learn in an apprenticeship program and continue to advance themselves through training and higher education.”
“I like the idea of giving young people an opportunity to get their hands dirty. You can only learn so much in a classroom.”
“Getting college credit while avoiding a lot of debt would be particularly nice.”
“This solves the famous complaint teachers get: ‘When am I going to use this in real life?'”
“A career connected learning system that includes apprenticeships, mentorships, job shadows, and hands-on learning will allow businesses to meet their workforce needs and youth in our state to be prepared for great careers.”
Find Help Near You
Combining work and education is a challenge, but we can help. This directory can help you find local support for problems related to financial aid, transportation, child care, housing and more. Check back regularly, as new resources are always being added.
Request for Information Open: CCW Sector Intermediaries
On behalf of the Career Connect Washington (CCW) statewide coalition, the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) has published an official Request for Information (RFI): the Career Connect Washington Sector Intermediaries RFI. The [...]
2021 Career Connect Washington Progress Report
The Career Connect Washington Progress Report was submitted earlier this month on behalf of the Career Connected Learning Cross Agency Work Group to Governor Inslee and the Washington State Legislature in fulfillment of [...]
Announcing Round Seven of CCW Intermediary Grants
We are happy to inform you that Round 7 of Career Connect Washington Intermediary Funding Request for Proposals (RFP) is now available via Washington Electronic Business Solutions (WEBS), Reference 2021-10. Please register in WEBS to view and [...]