NW Washington STEM Network celebrates five years of workforce support
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he Northwest Washington STEM Network, one of EDASC’s major workforce partners, celebrates its five-year anniversary in 2022, a major milestone for an organization that’s seen impressive growth – and results. The organization began as the Skagit STEM Network, setting a goal to provide students with the best opportunities to break into high-demand jobs of the future. STEM refers to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. Careers in these fields typically offer family-wage jobs. Now, the organization has evolved and expanded to become the NW
EDASC
Washington STEM Network, serving as a catalyst for STEM education in Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Whatcom Counties. To support this role, their backbone agency is the Northwest Educational Service District (ESD) 189, supporting all K-12 school districts in these counties. “The foundation we’ve built over the past five years is strong,” said Jennifer Veltri, NW Washington STEM Network Director and Career Connect Washington NW Regional Co-Director. “We have tremendous momentum to create even more opportunities, make additional connections, and leverage resources to achieve our goal of providing every child access to lucrative and rewarding STEM careers.” EDASC has supported the organization since its inception, connecting it with businesses looking 27
to get involved with preparing students for rewarding careers. In 2021, EDASC co-hosted the Career Connect Skagit Summit to explore the partnership between industry and education and look at ways for businesses to get involved. “The only way to develop a pipeline of qualified workers is to start with children in schools,” said EDASC CEO John Sternlicht. “EDASC strongly encourages businesses to get involved with the NW Washington STEM Network to help cultivate our workforce and help students successfully compete for the jobs of the future.” Moving forward, the goal of Northwest Washington STEM Network is to continue growing its work while expanding its focus on equity, said Veltri. “It is amazing to see how the
SKAGIT BUSINESS GUIDE 2022
