Three students in the Nursing Workshop listen to each other’s heartbeats.
On a gorgeous spring day in Bellingham, FuturesNW hosted it’s final Learning with Leaders event of the 2025–2026 series at Whatcom Community College (WCC), bringing students together for another exciting day of career exploration.
We welcomed approximately 133 students from 10 schools across Whatcom and Skagit Counties, including Bellingham High School, Burlington Edison High School, Ferndale High School, Lynden High School, Meridian High School, Mount Baker High School, Nooksack Valley High School, Sedro Woolley High School, Sehome High School, and Whatcom Intergenerational High School. With the support of 14 workshop facilitators and 8 volunteers, the event created meaningful opportunities for students to connect their interests to future careers.
The event kicked off in the Syre Student Center, where students checked in, enjoyed breakfast, and received resource folders filled with post-secondary planning materials and workshop schedules. Ashley DeLatour, FuturesNW’s Executive Director of Programs, welcomed students and shared information about FuturesNW’s free support services, including one-on-one guidance, financial aid assistance, and FuturesBot text support.
“My favorite part was learning about all the types of degrees you need to reach a certain level and the booths about options and opportunities outside of high school.
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Ashley also thanked WCC staff, volunteers, facilitators, and community partners for helping make the event possible before introducing Nubia Robles, Director for Outreach & Admissions at WCC.
After the opening remarks, volunteers guided students across campus to the workshops they selected prior to the event. Each workshop was facilitated by local professionals and WCC faculty who shared real-world experiences, career advice, and educational pathways connected to their industries.
Student in the Medical Assisting Workshop draws blood from a manikin arm.
Students exploring healthcare careers had the opportunity to participate in Medical Assisting, Nursing, and Physical Therapy Assisting workshops. In Medical Assisting, students practiced drawing blood using fake manikin arms, listened to heart and lung sounds, and explored common clinical and administrative responsibilities performed by medical assistants. In the Nursing workshop, students practiced flushing IVs, inserting nasogastric (NG) tubes into manikins, measuring wounds, and listening to heart and lung sounds while learning directly from experienced nursing professionals about patient care and healthcare pathways.
“I really liked when we did hands-on things in medical assisting they also gave us lots of help when we come back for college.”
Student practices handling a vial in the Medical Assisting Workshop.
Student practices taking blood from a manikin arm.
“My favorite part of the event was when I got to look for clues during the criminal justice. It was extremely fun and I learned to think outside of the box. I also learned about the criminology careers.”
Meanwhile, students in the Physical Therapy Assisting workshop explored therapeutic exercises and rehabilitation activities while learning how physical therapist assistants help patients improve mobility and recover from injuries. Students practiced balance and movement-based exercises similar to those used in real therapy settings while discussing certification requirements and career opportunities in rehabilitation services.
Two students try out wheelchairs in the physical therapy workshop.
One student tries out a physical therapy balancing tool.
Students interested in education and legal support careers attended the Early Childhood Education and Paralegal Studies workshops. In Early Childhood Education, students participated in educational games, explored child development concepts, and engaged in activities similar to last year’s “Mr. Potato Head” personality exercise. Students also discussed inclusive classroom environments and learned about careers in teaching, childcare, and early learning programs.
In the Criminal Justice workshop, students learned about careers in law enforcement, forensic science, victim advocacy, legal studies, and restorative justice. The workshop began with an overview of crime scene investigation techniques before students set off to investigate a mock crime scene that had taken over Baker Hall. More than 20 clues were placed throughout the building, including a “dead body,” severed arm, mangled high heel, and suspicious substances like pills and used as evidence props. As they explored the scene, students used maps to document and track the clues they discovered along the way. Afterward, everyone regrouped in the classroom to review their findings, discuss the evidence, and piece together the events of the case.
A student reviews a map of Baker Hall before searching for clues in a mock crime scene across the building.
A severed manikin arm, or “clue” that was placed for students to find in the Criminal Justice Workshop.
The Paralegal Studies workshop introduced students to legal support careers in law firms, government agencies, and corporate settings. During an interactive activity, students used a public database to see how easily personal information and public records can be accessed online, including information connected to celebrities and individuals involved in legal cases. The exercise highlighted the importance of digital privacy, online footprints, and protecting personal information in today’s digital world.
“In paralegal studies we learned how to use public records to build a profile on their client and who they’re going against.
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Following the first workshop session, students gathered for lunch, networking, and tabling activities in the cafeteria. Students enjoyed pizza while connecting with community organizations, colleges, and campus departments during a networking bingo activity led by Junior Achievement. The activity encouraged students to learn more about available resources, ask questions, and engage with representatives from across the region.
Students had the opportunity to explore tables hosted by a variety of WCC departments and community partners, learning more about academic advising, student support services, financial aid, accessibility resources, student life, athletics and recreation, Running Start, the Intercultural Center, and post-secondary opportunities available after high school. Representatives from BTC were available to connect with students and answer questions as well.
“My favorite part of the event was the teachers telling us their stories on how they chose their career.”
Students in the Physical Therapy Workshop try out crutches.
A special thank you also goes to Sage Borgias, FuturesNW’s Pathways Exploration Program Coordinator, whose coordination and leadership helped bring the entire event together. From volunteer coordination and workshop logistics to facilitator support and student engagement, Sage’s dedication played a major role in the success of this year’s event.
Thank you as well to our generous sponsors, including Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU) and Area Health Education Center for Western Washington (AHECWW), as well as our food sponsors, Costco, Starbucks, and The Bagelry.
As the 2025–2026 Learning with Leaders series comes to a close, we are incredibly thankful for everyone who helped make this year possible. We can’t wait to continue creating opportunities for students to explore careers, build connections, and discover pathways after high school.
We’ll see you next year!