Over Spring Break 2024, 35 students from the ESD 123
Migrant Education Program were able to take a trip to Seattle. In a collaboration between the Migrant Education Program and
Career Connected Learning, the students went on hands-on industry tours and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the city.
One of the chaperones, Migrant Student and Family Advocate Maria Zungia, says, “Most of these students have never been to the west side of the state and it’s a great feeling to open them up to these amazing opportunities!”
During the visit students visited Alaska Airlines Headquarters for an informational Q&A session, learning about careers and the skills, education, and certifications needed to forge a career with several top executives. Students met Matthew Trujillo, Supervisor Inflight Crew, and Josiah Reimers, Project Manager and Co-Chair of the Young AirGroup Professionals, and many more!
Students then headed to Boeing Flight Museum where they were given a tour called “Dream of Flight” and learned more about the history of Boeing and the many career paths available to students. Students were able to board several aircraft and ask museum staff about their career journeys.
Migrant students also visited the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Skills Center Seattle where there are numerous opportunities to take free IT courses to become certified as a Cloud Practitioner or a Solutions Architect. Students participated in various interactive modules and activities that gave them background information about network hardware and AI.
Finally, students received a first-hand look of the Seattle Aquarium and participated in “Lightning Talks” about marine biology and career pathways. They explored the aquarium and asked the staff about what they see, hear, and smell.
According to one student on the trip, "The different companies and the opportunity to ask question to people with different positions were a good chance to expand my career options.”
These types of opportunities provide our migrant students with invaluable experiences that not only enhance their academic knowledge but also equip them with practical skills essential for success in the workforce. By immersing themselves in real-world settings, migrant students develop cultural fluency, expand their professional networks, and gain confidence in navigating diverse work environments, ultimately empowering them to thrive in their chosen career paths while contributing positively to their communities.