Curriculum Communities of Practice

The goal of a Community of Practice is to bring people together who share a common goal in a certain topic so they can share ideas, support one another, learn from each other, build knowledge, and work through challenges.

These Curriculum Community of Practices have been formed to work towards aligning the high school to post secondary to workforce pipeline within specific career sectors. The groups bring together K–12 educators, CTE, community and technical colleges, post-secondary educators, workforce partners, and industry employers.

We are involved in several Communities of Practice related to Industry & Curriculum:

• MAC Welding

  About: The Maritime, Agriculture, Construction (MAC) Welding initiative expands and aligns high school-to-career pathways in Maritime, Agriculture, and Construction to address Washington’s urgent workforce needs. This project focuses on Welding, connecting secondary and postsecondary programs to create clear, credentialed pathways that prepare students for high-demand careers. Guided by industry sector leaders and statewide educational partners, the work leverages CTE frameworks, validated curricula, and professional development to accelerate implementation and scale.

  • Partners: AGC Education Foundation, Center of Excellence for Agriculture & Natural Resource, Capital STEM Alliance,  Career Connect Southeast,  Grays Harbor College, Sierra Pacific Industries, Skagit Valley College, and Walla Walla Community College.
  • Funded by: Career Connect Washington in partnership with Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing & Technology, Skagit Valley College. 

• Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering
  

  About: This Community of Practice focuses on strengthening advanced manufacturing and engineering pathways from high school to post-secondary education. This work centers on aligning curriculum, supporting educators, and connecting industry directly to education to ensure students are prepared for high-demand careers. Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering includes high-demand career pathways such as aerospace, clean technology, biomedical manufacturing, and precision fabrication. This project will expanding career-connected learning opportunities for high school students and scale the Core Plus Aerospace curriculum to better align with regional workforce needs.

  • Partners: Boeing and regional colleges and high schools.
  • Funded by: Boeing Company – Boeing Global Engagement.
  • Read more about the April 30, 2025 kick-off tour!

• Cybersecurity
  

  

  About: This Community of Practice will strengthen the regional cybersecurity workforce pipeline in Northwest Washington through coordinated education, industry, and workforce partnerships. are partnering to build equitable, aligned, and industry-validated cybersecurity pathways that support students from high school through postsecondary education and into high-wage, high-demand careers. The project will establish and facilitate Cybersecurity Communities of Practice that bring together K–12 educators, community and technical college faculty, workforce partners, and industry employers.

• • Partners: Whatcom Community College
  • Funded by: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in partnership with Cybersecurity Center of Excellence

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