January 2010 issue page 2 of 3

SWWDC and partners awarded funds to develop 100 STEM related internships; internship sites needed

The Washington Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board awarded SWWDC $75,000 to work with school districts, nConnect NW, the SW Washington STEM Coach, Educational Service District 112, and local area employers to create 100 internships for low–income sophomores, juniors and seniors in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) related occupations.

Students who complete the 90–hour internships will be eligible to receive a State Need Scholarship which generally covers the first year of tuition and fees at public two– and four–year colleges and universities, and many accredited independent colleges, universities, career schools, and apprenticeships in Washington.

The program is currently seeking employers in the manufacturing, high technology, construction, and transportation and logistics industries who would be willing to offer an internship between February and September 2010.  Training and support will be provided to employers.  For more information, contact Natalie Pacholl at nConnect NW at natalie.pacholl@nconnectnw.org. 

Students will be recruited from participating school districts.  Interested school districts should contact Brandi Stewart-Wood at bstewart-wood@swwdc.org. 

SWWDC, nConnect NW, Clark and Lower Columbia colleges partner to provide mentors for students pursuing training in high demand fields; volunteers needed

SWWDC and its partners are one of four recipients of a $45,000 grant from the Washington Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board to provide industry mentors to 30–50 low–income students enrolled in the colleges’ Opportunity Grant Programs. Mentors will assist students with their coursework and will provide opportunities for students to learn about the realities of working in their occupation of choice. Networking activities, company tours, and job shadows will also be available.

nConnect NW is recruiting mentors from the manufacturing, welding, and health care fields, including pharmacy, phlebotomy, and medical technology, who can volunteer 15–20 hours between January and June 2010. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Natalie Pacholl at natalie.pacholl@nconnnectnw.org.

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