Explore Career Pathways in Snohomish County
Whether you’re a middle or high school student just starting to think about your future, or a college student considering your next steps, career exploration is key to discovering your passions and opportunities. Snohomish County is home to a wide range of high-demand industries—from healthcare and advanced manufacturing to information technology and the skilled trades—and Snohomish STEM is here to help you explore them.
Through engaging, hands-on programs and direct interactions with industry professionals, we connect students with real-world experiences that inspire informed, confident decisions about future careers. Our career exploration opportunities begin as early as elementary and middle school and continue through high school and post-secondary education.
Explore our full lineup of Snohomish STEM Programs featured on this page, and discover even more opportunities through our Supported Programs, in partnership with local schools, colleges, and employers across the region.
Snohomish STEM Programs
ECHO Tour℠ – Exploring Careers & Healthcare Opportunities
The ECHO Tour℠ is an immersive career exploration program designed to introduce students to the vast opportunities in the healthcare sector. Through interactive, multi-disciplinary experiences, high school and middle school students engage with healthcare professionals, participate in hands-on activities, and gain valuable insights into medical and allied health careers. At our March 2024 pilot event, we connected 422 high school students to real-world healthcare experiences, with 92% increasing their knowledge of the field and 84% gaining interest in a healthcare career. A pilot middle school ECHO Tour℠ at Edmonds College in October 2024 also expanded career exploration for younger students.
Interested in participating or contributing? Learn more about the ECHO Tour℠ here.
Explore I.T. Careers℠ – Discover Pathways in Tech
Explore I.T. Careers℠ is a hands-on, one-day career exploration event that introduces middle and high school students to the world of Information Technology and Computer Science. Through interactive career stations hosted by local employers and higher education partners, students gain firsthand experience with tech careers in areas like software development, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure.
Presented in partnership with Everett Public Schools CTE, Everett Community College, and the Snohomish STEM Network, this program sparks early interest in one of the fastest-growing industries in Washington State. Explore I.T. Careers℠ helps students see how their skills and interests connect to real-world opportunities—paving the way from classroom to career.
Learn more about how Explore I.T. Careers℠ is building the next generation of tech talent here.
Spring into STEM℠ – Hands-On STEM Exploration for Families
Spring into STEM℠ is an exciting annual event that brings STEM to life for students and families through hands-on experiments, interactive exhibits, and engaging demonstrations. Now in its 9th year, this community-driven event is made possible through the collaboration of educational institutions, local organizations, and public services, all working together to inspire curiosity and a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math. In April 2024, over 700 students and their families participated at Imagine Children’s Museum, discovering new STEM interests and career pathways while engaging in multigenerational learning experiences.
Join us in celebrating STEM and sparking curiosity! Learn more about Spring into STEM℠ here.
STEM Like Me!® – Bringing STEM Careers into the Classroom
STEM Like Me!® is an interactive career exploration program that connects students with local STEM professionals, bringing the excitement of STEM careers directly into classrooms. Through hands-on activities, engaging discussions, and mentorship, students gain a deeper understanding of STEM pathways and the opportunities available to them. Designed to spark curiosity and expand awareness of science, technology, engineering, and math pathways, the program helps students see how their interests can translate into real-world careers. By meeting professionals from a variety of industries, students gain insight into the skills, education, and opportunities available in today’s STEM fields.
With the support and investment of dedicated community partners, STEM Like Me!® is inspiring the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders. Learn more here.
STEM & Tech Exploration Programs
CougHacks at WSU Everett
CougHacks is WSU Everett’s annual 24-hour hackathon, where students of all skill levels come together to innovate, collaborate, and build exciting tech projects. Whether you’re an experienced coder or just starting out, this immersive event provides a space to learn new skills, solve real-world challenges, and connect with mentors and industry professionals. Participants form teams, develop creative solutions, and compete for prizes—all while gaining valuable hands-on experience in software development, cybersecurity, AI, and more.
Ready to code, create, and compete? Learn more at CougHacks!
Expanding Your Horizons at Edmonds College
Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) is an engaging, hands-on STEM conference designed to inspire girls in grades 8-12 to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Hosted by Edmonds College, in partnership with Edmonds School District and the American Association of University Women (AAUW), this empowering event features interactive workshops led by STEM professionals, giving students the chance to experiment, problem-solve, and discover new interests. Through hands-on activities and mentorship, EYH helps young women build confidence and see the exciting possibilities in STEM fields.
Unlock your potential in STEM! Learn more about Expanding Your Horizons here.
Girls Explore STEM at WSU Everett
Washington State University Everett’s Girls Explore STEM program is an exciting, hands-on opportunity for middle and high school girls to dive into science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Through interactive workshops, mentorship from industry professionals, and real-world problem-solving, participants gain confidence and insight into STEM careers. Hosted on the WSU Everett campus, this program empowers young women to explore their passions, build skills, and connect with inspiring role models in STEM fields.
Discover how Girls Explore STEM can spark your future in STEM! Learn more here.
Imagine Children’s Museum – Hands-On Career Exploration for Kids
At Imagine Children’s Museum, career exploration comes to life through playful, hands-on exhibits that inspire curiosity and learning in children of all ages. From pretending to be a veterinarian or construction worker to experimenting in the science lab, kids can explore real-world roles in a fun, interactive environment. With a focus on STEM, the arts, healthcare, public service, and more, the museum helps young learners imagine their future—and see themselves in it.
Learn more about Imagine Children’s Museum here.
Pacific Science Center Summer Camps with UW Bothell – Inspiring Young Scientists
Offered in partnership with the UW Bothell Office of Sponsored Research, these Pacific Science Center Summer Camps provide K–8 students with fun, hands-on learning experiences in technology, engineering, biology, chemistry, and more. Hosted on the UW Bothell campus and at locations across the Puget Sound, these camps are designed to spark curiosity and build confidence in science and technology.
Taught by enthusiastic undergraduate instructors, campers explore real-world STEM topics through interactive activities—like the uniquely Bothell-themed “Crows: Caws and Effect” camp, which blends art, science, and local ecology. With guidance from passionate educators and input from UW Bothell researchers, these camps help students imagine bright futures in STEM.
Learn more about Pacific Science Center Summer Camps with UW Bothell here.
Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship Pathways
EvCC AMTEC Manufacturing Day Tour – Exploring Careers in Advanced Manufacturing
The EvCC AMTEC Manufacturing Day Tour is a dynamic, three-day event that introduces over 500 Snohomish County high school students each year to exciting careers in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and engineering technologies. Hosted at Everett Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing Training & Education Center (AMTEC), this countywide tour features interactive demonstrations, hands-on projects, and presentations from local employers and AMTEC departments like Welding, Precision Machining, Composites, and Mechatronics.
Students get a firsthand look at high-demand, high-wage career pathways that offer excellent pay, strong job growth, and little to no student debt. With support from community and industry partners, Manufacturing Day helps bridge the skills gap and inspire the next generation of makers, innovators, and problem-solvers.
Learn more about the EvCC AMTEC Manufacturing Day Tour and how it sparks futures in the skilled trades here!
Regional Apprenticeship Pathways (RAP) Program
The Regional Apprenticeship Pathways (RAP) program is a hands-on training opportunity designed to prepare high school students for high-demand careers in the skilled trades. Through industry-aligned coursework, mentorship, and real-world experience, students gain the technical skills needed for apprenticeships in fields like construction, electrical work, and advanced manufacturing. Hosted in partnership with local industry leaders, RAP provides a direct pathway to living-wage careers—without the need for a traditional four-year degree.
Read more about RAP here. Start your journey into the trades with RAP! Learn more here.
Trade Up – Snohomish & Island County Labor Council
Trade Up is a hands-on career exploration program that introduces high school students to in-demand careers in the skilled trades. Through interactive activities led by industry professionals, students gain firsthand experience in fields like construction, electrical work, manufacturing, and more. Hosted by the Snohomish & Island County Labor Council, this program helps young people discover rewarding, high-paying career paths that don’t require a traditional four-year degree.
Explore the trades and start building your future with Trade Up! Learn more here.
Youth Aerospace Program – Evergreen Goodwill of NW Washington
Evergreen Goodwill’s Youth Aerospace Program is a dynamic, hands-on learning experience that prepares high school students for careers in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. Through classroom instruction, industry tours, mentorship, and skill-building workshops, students gain valuable technical and professional skills while exploring high-demand career pathways. This free program also provides connections to apprenticeships, internships, and post-secondary education opportunities, helping students take their first steps toward a future in aerospace.
Launch your career in aerospace today! Learn more here.