Skill centers provide a piece of the education puzzle

OLYMPIA – It’s a simple truth: Not every student can or wants to go to college. But while we’ve focused on improving Washington’s higher education system, we’ve neglected the critical contribution of skill centers. To address that problem, the Legislature has approved a measure that will result in more satellite and branch campus skill centers.

“Our society has a need for a wide variety of jobs skills. We need skilled electricians, carpenters and plumbers as well as physicians and lawyers, or even legislators,” said Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens. “That’s why skills centers are a critical piece of the education puzzle.”

Washington’s 10 skills centers serve students from 85 of the state’s 248 districts with high schools. Senate Bill 5790, introduced by Hobbs, directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to revise guidelines for skill centers to encourage development of satellite and branch campus programs; develop a capital plan and K-20 technology plan for skill centers; and broker the development of Skill Centers of Excellence in key economic sectors. It also creates the position of director of Skill Centers in OSPI.

“There are many paths to success,” Hobbs said. “The important thing is that students have options so they can choose the path that best meets their needs.”

SB 5790 has passed both the Senate and House and now goes to Gov. Chris Gregoire for signature.

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