DEVELOPING OUR TALENT

Drive towards a 60% education attainment rate to create a skilled workforce that supports a thriving economy and a successful business community. Spokane County’s education attainment has grown from 40% in 2015 to 52.9% in 2022.

Merged Spokane STEM and the Career Connect WA East Network to create Career Connect Northeast (CCNE) to more cohesively provide career-connected learning and STEM experiences for our region through crosssector partnerships. Over 50 regional events were offered and 8 CCNE Program Builders received $500,000+ in grants.

Launched a campaign in collaboration with KSPS and NEWESD 101 to support Career Connect NW’s efforts to develop over 100 videos that raise awareness of needed career pathway opportunities and STEM skills for youth and working adults in underserved and rural communities.

Partnered with Riverside High School FFA and Slingshot for “Interviewing for Success.” This event brought 49 high school students and 35 businesses together to practice interviewing skills, resume writing, and career exploration.

Obtained a National Governors Association grant in partnership with WA Student Achievement Council, the WA Governor’s office, the WA Workforce and Training Board, and Washington State University to design and implement a Learning and Employment Record system for our region to be implemented statewide.

Convened GSI Education and Talent Alliance which brings together 30 leaders spanning early learning, K-12, higher education, and local businesses to strengthen the entire education attainment pipeline to build, champion, and retain a talented workforce.