In 2006, several board members of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, including the Superintendent of Mount Vernon School District, visited the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce.  Since 1996, the Greater Yakima Chamber Foundation has been running a Business Education Partnership with 14 local school districts in and around Yakima County.  The Chamber offers these school districts a wide selection of opportunities, from speakers and job shadows to teacher field trips and lunch buddies, designed to give students K – 12 a “real world” work experience.  These opportunities help students determine their interests and career goals and encourage them to stay in school to meet those goals.

The Mount Vernon Chamber board returned home armed with ambition and great ideas, and began the process of building a similar entity in Skagit County.

The goal was to improve the connection between businesses in Skagit County and the kids in Skagit County schools.  We believe that a stronger connection will help students to see the amazing opportunities available to them and motivate them to work hard to succeed.  Our goals were to improve graduation rates and grades, help students see that career opportunities exist for them here in Skagit County, and support business in getting more involved with the schools and their future workforce.

In 2009 we partnered with the Northwest Workforce Development Council to obtain a Bridges Grant focused on helping at risk Mount Vernon High School students through mentorships.

In February 2010 we again partnered with the Northwest Workforce Development Council on the Opportunity Partnership Grant which is designed to help specific groups of Skagit Valley College students obtain internships and job shadows in the health care field to enhance their education. Funds from this grant are supporting the development of the logo and our processes so that we can continue to find ways to support education in our local community.

• Job Shadows: Student scheduled at work site with a specific individual (mentor) for 3-4 hours to observe. Involves an informational interview and brief employer evaluation
• Unpaid Internship: Full-time work that provides on-the-job training and supervision/mentor. Period of employment as agreed upon but is usually no less than two weeks.
• Speakers Bureau: Speaking in primary or secondary schools as requested at agreed upon time

A job shadow or internship offers you a unique opportunity to:

• Learn about the job market and potential career paths
• Interact with professionals in your field and make contacts for future employment opportunities
• Add career-related work experience to your resume
• Apply technical skills you have learned in the classroom
• Develop self confidence, maturity, responsibility and human relation skills
• Gain the experience you need to get the job you want.

If you are a Skagit Valley College student, you must qualify for the Opportunity Grant, WorkFirst or the Basic Food Education & Training program.

If you are a high school student, your school must be participating in the program. If they are not, contact your high school counselor or career counselor and find out how you can participate.

The EWP data based is designed to give students access to a listing of the employers that are offering potential job shadows or internships. This offers students descriptions of opportunities that they can select. When a student submits their form, the EWP coordinator or a school coordinator uses this information to make the best match possible.