Students examine different equipment and materials during the automotive workshop
What makes Learning with Leaders so special? It’s no secret that navigating life after high school is oftentimes complex, mysterious, and even daunting. This is why Learning with Leaders (LWL) uses a kinesthetic, experiential learning based model to help the next generation of students confidently pave the way towards their exciting futures. We do this by connecting students to in-demand, high wage career pathways through hands-on exploration that align with their unique talents, gifts, and strengths.
Earlier this month, on February 1st, our incredible team of volunteers, Skagit Valley College (SVC) staff, and FuturesNW staff gathered bright and early to SVCs campus, eagerly preparing for students’ arrival. A classic PNW overcast sky set the scene for 165 students who would soon arrive for the second event in the Learning with Leaders series.
“Learning with Leaders isn’t a mere event; it’s the transformative gateway where student dreams materialize into tangible moments. Through hands-on experiences, aspirations take flight, portraying higher education as an attainable reality, not a distant wish.”
Our dedicated team of volunteers and staff line up as they wait for the students’ arrival
Students gather for opening remarks at SVC’s Cardinal Hall
We welcomed students, teachers, and high school representatives from an impressive array of 15 different schools and programs across Whatcom and Skagit Counties. The following schools joined us: Options, Squalicum, Blaine, Mount Vernon, Whatcom Intergenerational, Lynden, Burlington-Edison, La Conner, Ferndale, Sedro-Woolley, Skagit Academy, State Street, Sehome, and Lummi Nation School. Skagit Valley College’s INVEST program, a comprehensive post-secondary transition program for individuals with intellectual disabilities, also attended the event.
As students began to trickle into Cardinal Center at Skagit Valley College, they grabbed a bite to eat and chatted with friends while waiting for the other students and schools to arrive. Volunteers handed out resource folders to each student, which contained a wealth of helpful information and resources about professional networking, post-high school resources, and applying to SVC.
The Learning with Leaders sign guides and welcomes students to the event
Dr. Christopher Villa, SVC President, and Ashley Delatour, FuturesNW Executive Director of Programs, extended a warm welcome and delivered the opening ceremony, accompanied by a land acknowledgment from Dr. Claire Peinado, SVC Vice President for Student Services. All opening remarks and transitions were translated into Spanish by Diana Peregrina, SVC Director of Recruitment and Outreach. Shortly after, volunteers helped lead students across SVC’s campus to attend the workshops they signed up for prior to the event. Students had chosen between ten different career exploration workshops, co-facilitated by SVC faculty and local business leaders, which featured different career pathways in Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, and Healthcare.
Two interested students engage with a CITC representative to gain a better understanding of an apprenticeship pathway
The experience was also complemented by three additional support services workshops, featuring important topics like financial aid, career-readiness, college application support, and pathways speed-dating. Throughout the event, students got to meet and forge lasting connections with esteemed professionals from well-renowned local companies like Northwest Ambulance, Skagit Regional Health, Gateway Automotive, Consejo Counseling, Microsoft, and the Alger Fire Department.
Students interested in the field of Healthcare engaged in a wide variety of workshop experiences. For instance, students in the EMT Workshop toured the inside of an ambulance and learned about its functions. In the Dental Therapy Workshop, students got the chance to practice performing real-life treatments scenarios on fake teeth, like performing tooth sealants and fillings. The Medical Assisting Workshop offered students the exciting opportunity to practice phlebotomy by drawing fake blood from a dummy arm. In the Nursing Workshop, students participated in a wide array of simulation labs replicating common real-life scenarios.
Students gather inside of an ambulance to practice using a stretcher and other EMT equipment
Students exercise their teamwork skills a they practice drawing blood
Medical professionals teach students how to measure blood pressure
“[My favorite part of the event was] doing hands-on activities in my nursing session and in medical assisting. I learned you can take multiple pathways, you don’t have to know what you want to do right now.”
In the Advanced Manufacturing Workshop, students got the chance to create their own fiberglass skateboard molds and phone holders crafted from metal materials. The Automotive Workshop was an equally exciting experience, where students witnessed a car's airbag deploy in real-time.
Students feel the warmth from the hood of a car after the driver’s seat airbag deployed
“My favorite part of automotive was seeing the airbag pop out of the car. Fire science was amazing. For me, I really want to pursue my career in medical and fire areas and running start will be amazing!”
Among one of the most adrenaline-filled experiences was the Fire Science Workshop, where students immersed themselves in the fire fighting profession by trying on different gear, operating a fire hose, and even touring a fire engine. Students interested in computer science joined a local professional from Microsoft to delve into the world of AI facial recognition. Students also explored “Microsoft Learn,” an extensive library of useful technical documentation and training for IT professionals, developers, and end users. In the Human Services workshop, students were guided step-by-step through a client interview and the exploration of myth versus fact in the Human Services field.
Student tries on firefighting gear
Students and computer science professionals pose for a photo
Firefighter teaches students how to operate a fire hose
“My favorite part of the event was expanding on my knowledge of computer science, AI, and the cloud.”
Following the first session of workshops, students returned to Cardinal Center for a lunch break, featuring a delicious spread of sandwiches donated by Jimmy Johns and burritos. Beaming with excitement, students eagerly discussed their powerful workshop experiences and visions for the future. During lunch, students got the opportunity to visit resource tables and chat with representatives from TRIO, the College Assistance Migrant Program, the Cardinal Achievers Program, SVC’s Office of Student Equity and Inclusion, Skagit Community Foundation, Whatcom Community Foundation, and AHECWW. Students then transitioned once again across SVC’s campus to attend their second workshop of the day.
Students and professionals in the computer science workshop smile for a photo
Representatives from Whatcom Community College offer advice and resources to an interested student
A student sits down with a representative from Bellingham Technical College to discuss pathways
After completing session two, students gathered one last time in Cardinal Center to share their enthusiastic reflections and newly discovered interests or reaffirmed passions. Following closing remarks and a raffle featuring prizes generously donated by SVC and Janicki, students departed, equipped with not only a treasure trove of new experiences and valuable professional connections, but also with a newfound sense of confidence and hope for the future.
“I got to look at different opportunities for colleges, talk to others about my interests, sort everything out and look into local dentistry opportunities.”
The amazing Learning with Leaders team smiles for a photo
FuturesNW extends a heartfelt thank you to Skagit Valley College for its crucial role in making this Learning with Leaders event such a success. We would also like to thank our generous sponsors, including Career Connect Washington, Puget Sound Energy, the Area Health Education Center for Western Washington, Starbucks, and Jimmy Johns. Our close community partners helped to make this event possible. Thank you for your unwavering dedication in supporting, inspiring, and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Mark your calendars for the third and final Learning with Leaders event of the academic year on May 21, 2024, at Bellingham Technical College.
We’ll see you there!