Explore I.T. Careers℠ returned for its second year with strong momentum, expanded partnerships, and powerful impact for local students. Hosted at Everett Community College, the 2025 program engaged 82 students—a 41% increase from 2024—and immersed them in hands-on learning experiences that build awareness of high-demand technology careers in our region.
Kickoff Panel: Real Students, Real Pathways
The day opened with a student panel featuring Everett Public Schools CTE Ambassadors and Everett Community College students and faculty. Panelists shared what sparked their interest in technology, challenges they’ve overcome, and accessible ways middle schoolers can begin exploring tech today. Hearing real stories from relatable role models helped students see that tech pathways are flexible, welcoming, and filled with opportunities—building early confidence to ask questions, try new things, and imagine their own future in TECH.
College Life at EvCC: An Early Introduction
In addition to the panel, EvCC Outreach staff welcomed students with a brief presentation about college life at Everett Community College. They shared insights about campus resources, student clubs, athletics, and support services—giving students an early, accessible introduction to what becoming a college student can look like. This helped set the stage for the day by showing that postsecondary pathways are supportive, engaging, and within reach for every student.
Significant Growth in TECH Knowledge and Interest
Student survey results show strong learning gains and increased excitement about exploring future tech pathways:
- TECH Knowledge: Students’ understanding of TECH jobs rose from 4.04 to 5.60—a 38.5% increase—with high-knowledge ratings jumping from 37% to 86%. Overall, 80.8% of students increased their knowledge rating.
- TECH Job Interest: Average interest grew 21% (from 4.51 to 5.44). High-interest ratings increased from 52% to 77%, and 56% of students reported a personal increase in interest after participating in the program.
- STEM Identity: Students reported an average STEM identity score of 4.93, or 70% of the maximum score, showing strong early confidence in imagining a future in STEM.
Together, these outcomes demonstrate that Explore I.T. Careers℠ is effectively building early awareness, motivation, and a sense of belonging in technology—key drivers of a resilient regional talent pipeline.
Experiencing College Life: Guided Campus Tour
The day concluded with a guided campus tour led by Everett Community College Student Life ambassadors, giving students an authentic look at college life. Ambassadors highlighted student services, campus resources, and what it’s like to be part of an inclusive and supportive college community. For many students, this was their first time stepping onto a college campus—an experience that made higher education feel real, accessible, and within reach. The tour reinforced an important message: college pathways are open to them, and supportive environments exist to help them succeed.
What Students and Educators Are Saying
Students described the day as fun, hands-on, and eye-opening, emphasizing how interactive learning made technology feel accessible:
“I enjoyed making video games with my peers.”
“I learned more about AI and binary code.”
“Working in groups and teamwork was my favorite part.”
“I enjoyed learning about tech careers.”
“It made me want to go to college.”
Educators shared equally positive feedback:
“Our 8th graders enjoyed their time so much! The event was so well organized, we were fed a delicious lunch, and the materials presented were so relevant and of high interest to our students! Honestly…what a positive experience!”
“Our students came back on campus absolutely enthralled. What a wonderful experience for our young minds to look ahead and be captured by the content, college campus, and future possibilities.”
These reflections reinforce the program’s ability to spark curiosity, build confidence, and create meaningful connections between students, industry professionals, and postsecondary learning environments.
Collaboration and Community Support Make This Program Possible
Explore I.T. Careers℠ is presented in partnership by Everett Public Schools Career & Technical Education (CTE), Everett Community College, and the Snohomish STEM Network. Through shared design, coordinated logistics, and aligned goals, this collaboration brings high-quality career-connected learning to students across the district.
Thank You to Our Industry & Postsecondary Partners
This year’s program was made possible through engaging, student-centered activities facilitated by:
Each partner delivered hands-on, interactive experiences that helped students connect technology concepts with real-world applications.
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
We extend our sincere appreciation to:
Their support ensures the program remains free and accessible for participating schools, helping remove barriers to transformative career-connected learning experiences.
Investing in Our Region’s Future Workforce
Career-connected learning programs like Explore I.T. Careers℠ give students early exposure to high-demand industries and help them build the skills, curiosity, and confidence that support long-term success. These experiences also strengthen the region’s future talent pipeline by connecting young people with employers, higher education, and meaningful opportunities in the local tech sector.
Explore I.T. Careers℠ is one of Snohomish STEM’s signature career-connected learning programs, alongside STEM Like Me!®, ECHO Tour℠, and Spring into STEM℠. We also collaborate with partners on programs such as Girls Explore STEM (with WSU Everett), AMTEC Manufacturing Day Tour (with Everett Community College), and Expanding Your Horizons (with Edmonds College).
Together, these programs are investing in our future workforce—helping students connect what they learn in school to meaningful, high-demand careers.
Economic Development
Special thanks to Economic Alliance Snohomish County—Snohomish STEM’s host organization and regional economic development partner—for championing career-connected learning as a long-term investment in talent development and economic growth. Snohomish STEM, powered by Economic Alliance Snohomish County, is proud to help advance this shared vision for our region’s future workforce.
Highlights From the Day
Energy, creativity, and discovery filled every corner of campus. From experimenting with AI to building games and exploring real-world tech tools, students experienced TECH in action—and saw how their curiosity can shape future possibilities.
➡️ Follow Snohomish STEM on LinkedIn for more stories of career-connected learning in action.
