A Whatcom County branch campus of Northwest Career and Technical Academy (NCTA) is one of fifteen local community projects Rep. Rick Larsen has requested funding for the Fiscal Year 2024 federal spending bill, valued at approximately $3.4 million.
Whatcom County was identified by the Washington State Skills Center Association as a skill center desert and was prioritized as a location for a future campus through NCTA’s long-range plan. Currently, Meridian School District is a satellite campus for NCTA providing fire science and welding programs. Bringing a branch campus to Whatcom County would greatly increase the Career and Technical Education opportunities and graduation pathways for all of Whatcom County’s students.
“The importance of having a skills center in Whatcom County is critical for our community, workforce development, our economic development and most importantly, our young people,” Director of NCTA Lynette Brower said. “This Community Project Funding Request is a critical step in this work. The skills center will continue the great work happening in Career & Technical Education at our Whatcom County high schools by providing industry-based preparatory programs for students while in high school. This is a win for all of Whatcom County!”
Rep. Larsen submitted the requests to the House Appropriations Committee as the Committee begins work on legislation to fund the federal government. You can view the full press release on his website.