The Spokane Skills Center first opened its doors in the Fall of 1982. It is operated by Spokane Public Schools, and is governed by an Administrative Council consisting of the superintendents of the nine consortium school districts whose students we serve, allowing junior and senior-level high school students the opportunity to attend Career & Technical Education courses that are not available at their high schools. There are also several non-consortium school districts that have agreements with the Skills Center.

In addition to earning 1½ high school credits per semester, many programs at the Skills Center provide both paid and unpaid internships for students. Students have the opportunity to earn program and/or industry-recognized certifications and be able to enter the community college system with advanced placement standing and/or college credits through articulation agreements with the colleges.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Spokane Skills Center is to prepare students with career entry skills and knowledge by creating a quality learning environment, which simulates the professional-technical world of work.

VISION

Spokane Skills Center will provide applied learning experiences preparing students for high performance work organizations.

STUDENT PROFILE

To achieve our vision, students who complete Spokane Skills Center programs will:

• Experience integrated academic, employability, and occupational instruction created around the concept of students as employees.
• Demonstrate skills through authentic assessment comprised of projects, performances, and portfolios, embedded and aligned to world-class standards.
• Earn credentials based on a system of professional-technical certificates that are flexible and respond to labor market needs.
• Benefit from comprehensive partnerships involving business, labor, government and other stakeholders.
• Be highly motivated through incentives—including work-based learning, promotion, advanced college placement and employment—for hard work and proficiency in meeting standards.

WASHINGTON STATE SKILLS CENTERS

• Washington State Skills Centers
• Clark County Skills Center
• New Market Skills Center
• North Central Washington Skills Center
• SeaTac Occupational Skills Center
• Sno-Isle Skills Center
• Tri Tech Skills Center
• West Sound Technical Skills Center
• Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center