Student maneuvers a machine at the Automotive Technology workshop.
Earlier this month, FuturesNW kicked off the 2024-2025 Learning with Leaders series at Skagit Valley College— and we couldn’t have asked for a better first event! Partnering with local industry experts and college professionals, we offered 11 different workshops for students. We had an impressive turnout of 176 students from 14 high schools across Whatcom and Skagit Counties!
Wondering what makes Learning with Leaders so unique? Instead of learning about careers strictly through lectures, students go beyond the classroom environment by experiencing them first-hand, engaging in activities like performing tooth sealants, touring an ambulance, or checking patient vitals. This immersive approach allows students the unique opportunity to experience a “day in the life” of different careers, like Fire Science, Nursing, or Data Management and Analytics, giving them a tangible sense of what these professions really entail.
“My favorite part was definitely the hands-on learning & simulations part of learning for both of the workshops. Hands-on work is so important for everyone I think and being able to do that really helped me enjoy my time here.”
Volunteers and workshop guests await students
On November 13th, a steady rain greeted students as they began to arrive at Skagit Valley’s campus, but that didn’t dampen their spirits! Welcomed by our friendly team of volunteers, students were each handed a resource folder before heading to McIntyre Hall, where they eagerly waited for other school groups to arrive.
Students gather at McIntyre Hall as they wait for the other students to arrive
Ashley Delatour, FuturesNW’s Executive Director of Programs, opened the event with a heartfelt thanks to Skagit Valley College staff and the Outreach and Admissions team. Dr. Claire Peinado, Vice President of Student Services, followed with a land acknowledgment, and Dr. Christopher Villa, President of Skagit Valley College, shared his own warm welcome. Eager and excited, students were led to the first session of workshops, curious as to what this new experience might bring!
Many students who attended the event signed up for a workshop in a health-related field. For instance, those participating in the Dental Therapy workshop got to perform cleanings, temporary fillings, and sealants on mock teeth. At the Nursing workshop, students learned how to administer chest compressions and check vital signs, including heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure. At the Allied Health workshop, they practiced drawing fake blood from manikin arms.
A medical professional demonstrates CPR for students to try
Student draws fake blood from a manikin arm
Student works with dental instruments
The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Workshop consisted of an ambulance tour and practice with emergency scenarios using manikins. Meanwhile, in the Fire Technology workshop, students got to try on firefighting gear and even operate a fire hose! Students left their workshops with smiles on their faces having had the opportunities to connect with instructors and meet professionals from well-renowned local companies like Sedro-Woolley Fire Department, Skagit Regional Hospital, and Northwest Ambulance.
“My favorite part was being able to ask questions and getting a good answer every time and understanding the path to become a firefighter/technician.”
Students completed surveys and reviewed Fire Science resources
Students film the air bag that deployed just seconds prior
Those interested in building their technical and mechanical skills attended the Automotive Technology or Manufacturing Technology workshop. In Automotive Technology, students watched an airbag deployment and explored different brake systems. In Manufacturing Technology, they learned about conventional machine tools, composites, and computerized design. Students also learned how to use a universal testing machine and a laser cutter, and even got to use vacuums to shoot ping pong ball cannons!
At the Data Management & Analytics workshop, students used social media data to analyze financial trends. Those passionate about the environment attended the Environmental Conservation workshop. Students split into teams and used teamwork to brainstorm solutions to different environmental issues like flooding.
Students were also offered workshops to explore higher education or career preparation opportunities and financial resources. At the Higher Education and Career Preparation workshop, they made FAFSA accounts and learned about scholarship opportunities. The Admissions/Applications Lab contained important information about about 2-year and 4-year college applications, apprenticeships, and local colleges.
“My favorite part was the ability to connect with the local colleges and learn about what they offer.”
Friends at Skagit Valley College talk with students
An interested studentslearns about the Marine Maintenance Technology at SVC
Following the first session of workshops, students returned to the McIntyre Hall for pizza, where they excitedly exchanged stories about their experiences with friends. During lunch, they participated in an exciting game of Bingo created by the Junior Achievement Council to learn more about the organizations that were tabling at the event.
Three Fire Science professionals smile for the camera
During their bingo activity, students then got the opportunity to chat and connect with representatives at different resource tables. Among those tabling were Washington Vocational Services, Bellingham Technical College, Western Washington University, and Whatcom and Community College. Various programs and supports at Skagit Valley College also joined us, such as SVC Disability Access Services, SVC College Assistance Migrant Program, SVC Marine Services, SVC Maestros Para El Pueblo, and the Skagit Valley College Foundation. The first 3 students who completed their bingo card got prizes from Junior Achievement as a reward for engaging in such thorough networking. After lunch, students dispersed across campus once more to attend their second and final workshop of the day.
Once students completed the second workshop session, they gathered back at the McIntyre Hall for closing remarks, reflections, and raffle prizes. As the event concluded, it was evident in students’ expressions that they were leaving with renewed hope and excitement for their promising futures.
We’d like to give a special shoutout to Sage Borgias, our Pathways Exploration Program Coordinator, for bringing the 2024-2025 Learning with Leaders series to life. If you were lucky enough to attend, you could feel how much dedication, passion and hard work Sage poured into the experience. It was thanks to her tireless efforts this year that we were able to pull off such a life-changing event for students. Hats off to you, Sage!
FuturesNW also expresses our sincere thanks to Skagit Valley College for hosting our first event in the 2024-2025 series, as well as for their generous involvement in making this Learning with Leaders event such a success. We’d also like to extend a huge thanks to our generous sponsor North Sound ACH, as well as food sponsors Starbucks, and Costco. It’s our partners who make these programs so impactful.
“I love the connections that the leaders made with us and the amazing inspirational stories. I believe that this has really made an impact on my career in health. I am excited for my future. Thank you.”
At each event, students are connected with pathways that lead to rewarding, high-demand careers that simultaneously meet the community’s workforce needs. When it’s no longer a mystery which pathways in education lead to jobs students will enjoy, everyone benefits!
The second Learning With Leaders event will be held on February 26, 2025, at Bellingham Technical College, followed by the final event on May 2, 2025, at Whatcom Community College.
We hope to see you there!