A student wearing a welding helmet and gloves welds a “BTC” metal sign
Last week, we held the final Learning with Leaders event of the academic year at Bellingham Technical College (BTC) and it was nothing short of extraordinary.
“My favorite part was when we got to weld and it taught me to keep it slow and steady while welding.”
The event unfolded seamlessly, minus the torrential downpour that greeted students as they arrived. The rain continued throughout the day, but that didn’t keep students from enjoying many spectacular (indoor) experiences to come.
We offered 17 workshops this time around, the highest number of workshops ever offered at a LWL event. Students got a taste for a little bit of everything, from scrubbing in to perform “surgery” to fashioning their very own 3D roadway model.
Two students use stethoscopes to listen to the heartbeat of a simulation baby
We had the pleasure of welcoming 181 students from 10 different schools across Whatcom and Skagit Counties, including Bellingham, Burlington-Edison, Ferndale, Lummi, Lynden, Meridian, Options, Sehome, Squalicum, and Whatcom Intergenerational High School. We were joined by 44 workshop facilitators who helped us showcase hands-on career experiences for students, along with 20 volunteers who helped the event run smoothly.
Upon arriving, students headed to BTC’s cafeteria to grab a freshly baked bagel from the Bagelry. Volunteers handed each student a resource folder packed with a wealth of post-secondary resources and information to explore. Following a warm welcome from FNW Executive Director of Programs, Ashley DeLatour, the room began to buzz with excited chatter as students prepared for their first session of workshop experiences.
Volunteers led students across BTC’s campus to attend the workshops they signed up for prior to the event. Each career workshop was co-facilitated by BTC faculty and local business leaders, featuring different career pathways in Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Healthcare.
“I loved the active learning part of both sessions. It gave me a better sense of these careers and got me excited for the future.”
A student at the HVAC & Refrigeration workshop practices soldering and flaring copper
A student at the Surgery Technology workshop smiles as she cradles a doll that was just delivered from a simulated c-section, learning how to swaddle and support a new delivery.
“I really liked being hands-on, it really helped me decide what way I want to go in the future.”
A variety of Healthcare workshops were provided, spanning from Dental Assisting to Radiologic Technology to Surgery Technology. In the Surgery Technology workshop, students participated in a highly immersive experience by scrubbing in with gloves, surgical caps, and other personal protective equipment. Then, they performed a simulated surgery where they were tasked with finding Jolly Ranchers hidden inside fake surgical bodies.
Four participants pose for a photo after performing a simulated C-section to deliver a fake baby
During the Dental Assisting workshop, students performed cleanings, temporary fillings, and sealants on mock teeth. At the Radiologic Technology workshop, participants gained experience operating radiographic equipment, practicing basic radiographic positioning, and learning to process digital radiographic images. The Veterinary Technician workshop offered opportunities to work with ultrasound, microscopes, and dog manikins to perform triage and post-operative monitoring. Those interested in Nursing learned to check vital signs and practice hand hygiene using UV lights.
“I loved the hands on work because it helped me see if I could see myself doing some professions. I learned that I don’t like doing the same thing all the time and like hands on work.”
Two students pose with fake teeth after performing dental procedures at the Dental Assisting workshop
A student and two medical professionals perform a simulated C-section closure
At the Computer Networking & Support Specialist workshop, students got to practice hardware troubleshooting, engage in various problem-solving scenarios, and even disassemble and reassemble a PC.
The event also featured a wide range of career workshops in the field of Advanced Manufacturing. In the Diesel Technology workshop, for instance, students got to build electrical circuits and perform engine tune-ups using scan tool diagnostics. At the Electrician workshop, students participated in pipe bending. Those participating in the HVAC & Refrigeration workshop got to practice soldering and flare copper materials. The Industrial Maintenance & Mechatronics allowed students the opportunity to practice soldering PVC pipes and engage with pneumatic circuits and hydraulics. During the Instrumentation & Control workshop, students participated in energy isolation activities while working with various control valves.
“I loved the HVAC-R program. It was very hands on and engaging, I am definitely more motivated and inclined to start college!”
Students at the Machining workshop explore a CNC mill and lathe
A student is guided through a hardware troubleshooting scenario at the Computer Networking & Support Specialist workshop
During the Machining workshop, students toured the shop and learned how to operate a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mill and lathe. The Process Technology workshop offered students the chance to perform gas transferring and propane bottle equalization. Participants in the Welding and Fabrication workshop got to try their hand at welding different materials. At the first Engineering workshop, covering Civil & Geomatics, students practiced using survey equipment and even created a 3D roadway model. Students at the Composites Engineering workshop got to run a CNC machine, among other exciting activities.
Students participating in the Pathways Speed Dating workshop got to learn about different pathways and exciting opportunities awaiting them post high school.
“My favorite part was getting to interact with computers in ways that I haven’t before and socializing with the instructors.”
Four students smile as they show off their dirty gloves in the process technology session
After the first round of workshops, students reconvened in the cafeteria for a lunch break, where they feasted on a delicious spread of Chinese food donated by Panda Express. Following the first session of workshops, it was evident that students’ excitement had doubled as they awaited the second workshop session of the day. Throughout lunch, they got to chat with different BTC representatives who set up resource tables.
Upon completing the second session, students gathered back in the cafeteria for closing remarks, reflections, and gift card raffle, concluding a day rich with new experiences, perspectives, and dreams for the future. They left inspired and better equipped to navigate their futures, carrying with them a renewed sense of possibility and ambition. This program has indelibly shaped their perspectives, igniting passions and providing clarity on the multitude of exciting, fulfilling opportunities that lie ahead.
“It was really fascinating learning about how the material in school applies to real well-paying careers. The professionals all are good at what they do and it shows; even if I knew nothing going in, they still put it in a way that everyone could understand.”
Students at the Diesel Technology workshop smile as they explore the machinery
Students at the Process Technology workshop examine different pipes
In our evaluation of the program's effectiveness, we tapped into the Science of Hope, a well-researched framework known for predicting long-term positive outcomes for high school students. Following the principles of Hope Theory, we closely monitored students' "Hope Scores," a metric used to measure levels of hope. The results were inspiring: after the event, students reported an average increase of 3 points in their hope levels!
Learning with Leaders is made possible through our incredible partners who share our mission to transform career and college dreams into reality for local students. We extend our sincere thanks to Bellingham Technical College for its significant role in making Learning with Leaders such a success. We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors, including Career Connect Washington, Puget Sound Energy, and Area Health Education Center for Western Washington (AHEC WW), as well as our food sponsors, including the Bagelry, Starbucks Coffee, and Panda Express.
Curious about the secret ingredient behind Learning with Leaders? It’s Ashby McCoy! Ashby, our Learning with Leaders Program Coordinator, will be leaving this June to embark on a new adventure on the East Coast. However, her legacy will live on as we continue the Learning with Leaders program she has designed and now implemented. Keep an eye out for our next blog post to commemorate her journey with us.