Building STEM Pathways in the Kent Valley
\n\nThe talent pipeline has a beginning and a destination. On November 5\, we build the middle.
\n\nThe Kent Chamber of Commerce\, in partnership with STEM Paths Innovation Network (SPIN)\, invites employers\, educators\, workforce organizations\, colleges\, community partners\, and civic leaders to come together for a focused conversation about building stronger STEM career pathways in the Kent Valley.
\n\nAt the Business Expo on July 16\, employers identified challenges including hiring\, retention\, economic uncertainty\, and AI disruption. These issues point toward a common need: a strong local talent pipeline.
\n\nThe front end of that pipeline already exists. Young people throughout South King County are participating in STEM programming and developing STEM and AI-adjacent skills.
\n\nThe destination is also clear: meaningful STEM careers in South King County filled by people who live in our region.
\n\nThe missing piece is the middle &mdash\; the internships\, apprenticeships\, mentorships\, employer relationships\, and hiring commitments that connect education and workforce programs directly to employment.
\n\nThis roundtable brings the entire pipeline into one room.
\n\nThe moderated discussion will examine three critical segments of the workforce pipeline:
\n\nThe Front End &mdash\; Education &\; Skills
\n\nAre students learning the skills employers need?
\n\nWhat gaps are employers seeing in entry-level candidates?
\n\nHow can K-12\, college\, and STEM programming better prepare students for local career opportunities?
\n\nThe Middle &mdash\; Connections &\; Career Pathways
\n\nHow do we bridge the divide between programs and employers?
\n\nWhat should meaningful internship\, apprenticeship\, mentorship\, and employer partnerships look like?
\n\nHow do we create relationships and systems that continue beyond one program cycle or hiring season?
\n\nThe Destination &mdash\; Employment
\n\nWhat does hiring local actually take?
\n\nHow can employers increase recruitment and accessibility of local STEM jobs?
\n\nWhat barriers keep South King County talent from landing South King County careers?
\n\nThe program will conclude with audience Q&\;A and a discussion of potential next steps.
\n\nThis conversation is designed for:
\n\n&bull\; STEM and technology employers
\n&bull\; Aerospace and advanced manufacturing companies
\n&bull\; Airlines and transportation employers
\n&bull\; Healthcare and STEM-adjacent employers
\n&bull\; HR and talent acquisition professionals
\n&bull\; Workforce development organizations
\n&bull\; Internship and apprenticeship providers
\n&bull\; K-12 educators and administrators
\n&bull\; Colleges and technical schools
\n&bull\; Youth-serving organizations
\n&bull\; Economic development professionals
\n&bull\; Local elected officials and civic partners
\n&bull\; Kent Chamber members interested in workforce development
Employers are especially encouraged to send someone with hiring or workforce decision-making responsibility.
\n\nThe goal is not simply to have another conversation about workforce development.
\n\nWe want participants to leave with stronger connections and concrete opportunities to move from conversation to action &mdash\; including internships\, job shadows\, mentorships\, employer partnerships\, and local hiring connections.
\n\nThe goal is simple:
\n\nConnect programs to payrolls and create stronger pathways for South King County talent to build careers in South King County.
\n LOCATION:Green River College Kent Campus\, 417 Ramsay Way\, Suite 112\, Room 282/283\, Kent\, WA 98032 UID:e.444.251431 SEQUENCE:3 DTSTAMP:20261008T194000Z URL:https://info.kentchamber.com/events/details/building-stem-pathways-in-the-kent-valley-251431 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR