District Workforce Development Newsletter - August 2025

The Deans’ Council convened on August 21^st with a comprehensive and forward-looking agenda focused on strengthening workforce alignment and expanding equitable access to educational and career pathways. The meeting began with strategic updates, including the upcoming rollout of the new Workforce Pell initiative, aimed at expanding financial aid access for students pursuing short-term credential programs. We also reviewed progress and planning related to Technical Advisory Committees, Career Launch initiatives, and upcoming funding proposals designed to support high-impact, industry-responsive programming.

A highlight of the session was a guest presentation by Dr. Ann Beheler, who shared insights on the BILT (Business and Industry Leadership Team) model. This nationally recognized approach reimagines traditional advisory committees by positioning industry partners as co-creators of curriculum, ensuring that programs remain responsive to rapidly evolving labor market demands. The model emphasizes real-time labor data, skills forecasting, and collaborative curriculum design—providing a powerful framework for aligning education with employment.

Additionally, we were pleased to host members of the district’s Human Resources team for a strategic discussion on enhancing talent pipelines. Topics included coordinated recruitment fair planning and launching more intentional faculty recruitment strategies with a strong emphasis on diversity. These efforts reflect our shared commitment to building a workforce and faculty that reflect the communities we serve.

Overall, the meeting underscored the college’s continued dedication to innovation, collaboration, and student success. 

South Seattle College was the proud host of a Seattle Public Schools (SPS) CTE Teachers Convening, designed to foster deeper collaboration between K-12 and higher education. As part of this dynamic event, a featured panel discussion brought together faculty, students and workforce deans from across Seattle Colleges to engage in meaningful dialogue with SPS educators.

The panel explored innovative approaches to student success, including Seattle Promise, college readiness, career-connected learning, career exploration and equitable transitions from high school to college. Attendees heard firsthand from students about their academic journeys, while faculty and workforce leaders shared insights into high-demand programs, support services, and collaborative initiatives that can better align with K-12 needs.

This convening was a powerful opportunity to spark new partnerships and shape future strategies for expanding college access, career exploration, and academic achievement, particularly for underserved student populations. The event reinforces our shared commitment to building strong educational pipelines and ensuring every student is prepared for a successful future.

As part of our workforce development efforts, we recently visited Townsend Paper Mill, located in Port Townsend, Washington. The mill is a cornerstone of the region’s economy and has been operating for over 100 years, with much of its equipment and infrastructure dating back just as long. In recognition of the need to modernize and support the longevity of this historic employer, we were awarded a Job Skills Program (JSP) grant totaling $600,000, the maximum award granted in the state. This funding will support critical upgrades to the mill’s procedures and processes, while also providing essential upskilling for its workforce. Seattle Colleges is proud to be part of a training consortium with Peninsula College, working together to deliver targeted, high-impact training to meet the evolving needs of the mill and its employees.

On a scenic Argosy Cruise through the heart of Seattle, members of the local workforce gathered to commemorate the anniversary of the Port of Seattle DEI office. During the cruise, a knowledgeable tour guide narrated the rich history of the region and highlighted the Port's pivotal role in driving economic growth—not only locally, but globally—contributing to trillions of dollars in GDP over the decades.

The narration also shed light on the Duwamish River, a critical waterway with a complex industrial legacy. Attendees learned about the ongoing environmental restoration efforts aimed at cleaning up the river, as well as the Port’s commitment to health equity and environmental justice for the surrounding communities. It was both a celebration of progress and a call to continued stewardship and collaboration for a more sustainable future.