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Our Impact

Career Connected Learning Impact in the Capital Region

Capital STEM Alliance is dedicated to expanding Career Launch opportunities across multiple sectors, ensuring students in the region have access to high-demand, family-wage careers.

In partnership with Career Connect Washington, we aim to significantly increase Career Launch (CL) program enrollments to meet the goal of 60% of the class of 2030 enrolling and completing a CL program before age 30. This requires a year-over-year increase in student enrollment through 2027.

Current State

In 2024, only 35% of the 77,000 students in the Capital region are expected to enroll in a CL program after graduation. To meet the 2030 goal, the number of students earning credentials must increase annually:

  • 2025: 420 additional students (42% increase)
  • 2026: 663 additional students (48% increase)
  • 2027: 960 additional students (52% increase)

Key Industry Sectors for Expansion

The Capital STEM Alliance will focus on six sectors targeted for growth through 2025, leveraging existing job opportunities and credential gaps.

  • Construction and wood products: 71% of students enter apprenticeships in this sector. Job openings remain high while credential availability is low. By 2025, we will focus on K-12 BIPOC students, post-secondary apprenticeships, and related trades like electricians and HVAC.
  • Healthcare: Only 4% of students are enrolled in healthcare apprenticeships, despite high job demand. By 2025, we will expand CL opportunities via partnerships between K-12, community and technical colleges (CTCs), and healthcare employers.
  • Information technology (IT): Less than 1% of CL opportunities are in IT, despite high sector growth. By 2025, we will develop 4-year CL apprenticeship partnerships with K-12, universities, and regional employers across various sectors.
  • Agriculture, food production, and manufacturing: High demand for jobs in this sector, with a significant gap in CL credentials. By 2025, we will align K-12 curriculum with 2-year apprenticeships in logistics and manufacturing.
  • Maritime: There are few CL credentials for maritime occupations. We will focus on creating transferable coursework in K-12. By 2025, we will develop new CL-registered apprenticeships, focusing on rural and BIPOC youth.
  • Clean energy: Growing sector with the transition to non-fossil fuels, creating numerous job opportunities. By 2025, we will focus on K-12 and CTC curriculum development to match industry growth. 
  • Additional sectors: 
    • Operational technology/cybersecurity: Develop new CL credentials for IBEW incumbent workers.
    • Creative arts economy: Support the creation of CL credentials in partnership with local arts organizations.