Students gear up and attend a demonstration in the Firefighting Workshop
What does it take to be a healthcare professional, a firefighter, or a tech innovator? On November 6, high school students visited Skagit Valley College to find out firsthand at Learning with Leaders 2025! Partnering once again with college faculty, local professionals, and community volunteers, we welcomed 135 students from 9 high schools across Whatcom and Skagit Counties for a day of exploration and discovery.
Whether they were testing out medical procedures, exploring mechanical systems, or designing keychains with a laser cutter, students walked away with a deeper understanding of potential career paths and what it takes to get there.
“I leaned a lot of things I can apply to real life situations, like what to do for car problems in the future.”
Students gather at tables in McIntyre Hall
Students were greeted by FuturesNW staff, volunteers, and Skagit Valley College faculty as they arrived at McIntyre Hall. After a warm welcome and introductions from Ashley Delatour, FuturesNW’s Executive Director of Programs, and Dr. Christopher Villa, President of Skagit Valley College, students headed out to their first workshop of the day.
Two students in the Allied Health workshop practice medical procedures
From there, the campus came alive with energy, with classrooms transforming into mini training centers, labs, and studios where students could get their hands on real tools of the trade.
Many students who attended the event gravitated toward workshops in healthcare, public safety, and technology, each offering the chance to experience a “day in the life” of local industry professionals while gaining insight into high-demand careers.
Students in the Allied Health and Dental Therapy workshops dove into the medical world through realistic, hands-on activities. In Allied Health, students explored a range of healthcare careers while trying out real medical procedures like checking vitals using clinical tools. At Dental Therapy, participants practiced sealant placement and worked with model teeth, learning the techniques dental professionals use to care for their patients.
“My favorite thing I learned was how to draw blood.”
A student practices taking blood from a dummy arm
Students in the Dental Therapy workshop prepare to practice sealant placements
Fire and emergency service enthusiasts found excitement in the Fire Technology workshop, where they suited up in authentic firefighting gear and learned about the rigorous training and collaboration required in this vital career. Students discovered the discipline and courage it takes to serve their communities, working alongside current SVC students and instructors in the program.
“[My favorite part was] getting to try things. I enjoyed all the hands on stuff. I learned that I’m really interested in being a firefighter.”
For students who love engines, engineering, and innovation, the Automotive Technology and Advanced Manufacturing & Design workshops provided an inside look at the technical trades. In Automotive Technology, students witnessed a live airbag deployment before rolling up their sleeves to explore vehicle systems and safety mechanisms. Down the hall, participants in Advanced Manufacturing & Design experimented with machine tools, composites, and laser cutting technology, using ping-pong ball cannons and creating custom keychains.
“I enjoyed Advanced Manufacturing & Design... it was fun having my name designed. I really enjoyed my time in here.”
Two students gear up in the Fire Science workshop
Student works on a tire in the Automotive Technology Workshop
The Computer Science workshop offered a unique “unplugged” approach to technology. Students explored the logic and creativity behind coding by crafting binary bead bracelets and learning how digital languages form the foundation of the modern world. Working alongside Skagit Valley College program students, they discovered that computer science is as much about imagination and problem-solving as it is about code.
Students practice fine motor skills activities in the Early Childhood Education workshop
A student shows off their binary code bead bracelet
Those interested in education found inspiration in the Early Childhood Education workshop, where they learned about child development and the rewarding challenges of working with children through interactive teaching activities and classroom simulations.
“I really enjoyed Childhood Education. It was weird feeling like I was back in Elementary and unlocked my childhood memories, helping me understand what an early education classroom (k-3) would look like.”
Meanwhile, high school seniors focused on preparing for their next steps in the Scholarships and Financial Aid Account Creation session. Guided by Skagit Valley College’s financial aid professionals, students filled out their FAFSA or WASFA applications and explored local scholarship opportunities.
After the first session, students gathered in McIntyre Hall for lunch and tabling, connecting with representatives from local colleges, career programs, and community organizations. Between bites of pizza and rounds of interactive activities, students networked, asked questions, and discovered new resources to support their educational goals.
“I really liked learning about how things are done and how there are multiple pathways and hearing people’s questions was nice.”
Refueled and reenergized, students headed to their second workshop session, where the hands-on learning continued. By the time students gathered for closing remarks and raffle prizes, the excitement was palpable.
Students practiced making medication packs using skittles in the Allied Health Workshop
“I loved everything and I learned that this is the college I want to go to.”
The success of Learning with Leaders wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration of Skagit Valley College, our dedicated volunteers, and the industry professionals who generously shared their time and expertise.
We also extend heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, WECU and HF Sinclair, and our food sponsors, Costco, Starbucks, and Mountain Mikes Pizza.
Small group of volunteers hold up their designated signs
This school year, the Learning with Leaders series will continue with two more events across Whatcom County: Bellingham Technical College on February 24, 2026, and Whatcom Community College on April 24, 2026.
Stay tuned for more highlights as we continue to help students connect their passions to real-world pathways!