Progress Report: 13 career connected learning projects across Washington expand opportunities for students and respond to employer needs

Introduction

For the 2025-2027 biennium, Career Connect Washington established a streamlined State Grant program focused on industry-led, regionally coordinated projects that respond to employer needs and expand opportunities for students. Following a competitive review process, funding was awarded to 13 projects representing a $2.43 million investment in career connected learning across Washington. These projects span multiple industries and regions while sharing a common goal: strengthening pathways that connect students, educators, employers, and communities.

Early results show strong implementation, active partnerships, and steady progress toward projected outcomes, with some projects already exceeding initial targets for participation, training progress, and credential attainment. The projects demonstrate how regional and industry partners are developing solutions tailored to local workforce needs while expanding opportunities for students to explore careers, build skills, and prepare for high-demand occupations.

Over the coming months, Career Connect Washington will feature each project in a spotlight series highlighting progress, partnerships, accomplishments to date, and emerging impacts. This first post provides an overview of the statewide portfolio and the approaches organizations are taking to strengthen career pathways across Washington. Stay tuned as we take a closer look at each project through our upcoming spotlight series.

Meet the 13 State Grant Projects

Project Lead Organization Sector Focus
Construction CCL Accelerator AGC Education Foundation Construction Expanding construction career exploration opportunities for middle school students and supporting educator training.
STEM360 CleanTech Alliance Multi-sector STEM Connecting students with employers and careers across advanced manufacturing, clean energy, maritime, life science, and technology industries.
Teachers for the People Expansion Project Center for Strengthening Teaching Profession & Northwest Educational Service District  189 Education Strengthening pathways for Indigenous educators and expanding educator workforce diversity.
Washington Life Science Talent Pipeline Life Science Washington Life Science Building training pathways that prepare students for careers in Washington’s growing life science sector.
Scaling Career Pathways to Agriculture and Natural Resources Pacific Education Institute Agriculture & Natural Resources Expanding statewide career pathways, credentials, and employer engagement opportunities.
MAC Welding Project, Phase II Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing & Technology Maritime, Construction & Trades Developing statewide welding curriculum, educator training, and dual-credit pathways.
Regional Worksite Learning Coordination Hub Educational Service District  105 Multiple Sectors Expanding access to high-quality worksite learning experiences through coordinated regional partnerships.
Reframing High Tech Manufacturing in Southwest Washington Educational Service District 112 Advanced Manufacturing & IT Increasing awareness of manufacturing and technology careers while expanding pathway opportunities.
Capital Apprenticeship in Meat Processing (CAMP) Capital STEM Alliance Agriculture & Natural Resources Developing new workforce pathways that address regional meat-processing industry needs.
TechReady Bridge Program North Central Educational Service District 171 IT Connecting students to technology and data-center careers through exploration, internships, and credentials.
AI as a Cross-Sector Emerging Industry West Sound STEM Network IT Building AI literacy and workforce readiness across education and industry sectors.
Healthcare Pathways to Employment Washington Alliance for Better Schools Healthcare Expanding healthcare career pathways through employer partnerships and work-based learning.
Spokane Advanced Manufacturing Talent Pipeline Initiative Greater Spokane Incorporated Advanced Manufacturing Connecting students, educators, and employers to strengthen regional manufacturing pathways.

 

Statewide Performance Outcomes 

Outcome

Target

 Actual to date (August 2026)

Status
Employers engaged in career connected learning

Employers are participating as hosts, mentors, trainers, and partners across multiple sectors. 

650

775​

 Exceeding
School districts participating statewide

Districts are adopting programming, supporting student participation at events, engaging in curriculum pilots.

112

 147​

Exceeding
Students engaged in career exploration and learning experiences

Students are participating in exploration events, sector‑specific programming, workplace visits, and hands‑on activities.

5,350

 5,307​

On Track
Students progressing toward postsecondary and career pathways

Includes dual credit enrollment, postsecondary course participation, and/or completion of competency-based milestones that demonstrate skill development.

3,046

 3,246​

Exceeding
Students earning industry‑recognized credentials or micro‑credentials

Students are completing certifications, micro‑credentials, and other recognized credentials that signal readiness for high‑demand fields.

416

 99​

On Track*
Students participating in internships or worksite learning

Internships and worksite learning experiences give students direct exposure to real workplaces and help them build practical skills.

166

 91​

On Track*
Educators trained or supported to deliver career connected learning

Teachers, faculty, and staff are receiving training, professional development, and curriculum support.

245

 137​

On Track*

*Note: These outcome measures are lagging indicators, with increased results projected in SFY 2027.