Wenatchee Valley College receives $130,000 for workforce development

WENATCHEE – Wenatchee Valley College has secured $130,000 in workforce development funds from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. The funding, going to just 12 colleges, is part of a broader initiative to bolster local economic growth and meet industry demands, according to WVC.  

In its recent announcement, the SBCTC emphasized the importance of these funds, stating they are designed "to help industry thrive and expand in Washington state while continuing to support the development of a skilled workforce."  

The funds are aimed at projects that adapt to the evolving needs of both industry and prospective students as well as to strengthen local workforce development efforts. 

The WVC Workforce Education department will focus on revamping several programs that had been previously suspended, including machining, graphic design, and engineering.  

With the newly awarded funds, these programs will be transformed into Continuing Education workforce courses featuring clear competencies and assessments.  

This redevelopment will ensure that the courses maintain credit alignment for co-enrollment, while adopting a competency-based education (CBE) model. This model breaks mastery into smaller sections, providing flexible, stackable opportunities that allow students to learn at their own pace and better align with industry requirements. 

“We know that success in non-credit workforce programs often leads to longer-term enrollment,” WVC Workforce Education Dean Tracy Donnelly said in a statement. “And as an industry begins to engage with these offerings, especially when timed to their schedules or delivered as contract training, we’ll gain clearer insight into what they truly need.” 

Donnelly said WVC will collaborate closely with industry leaders to gather insights on the skills and competencies necessary for businesses to remain competitive.  

“This approach gives us the flexibility we need as a rural college to truly become a college of choice for students and industry alike,” she said.