What are Centers of Excellence?

Centers are flagship institutions that build and sustain Washington's competitive advantage through statewide leadership. Each Center focuses on a targeted industry that drives the state's economy and is built upon a reputation for fast, flexible, quality education and training programs. A targeted industry is identified as one that is strategic to the economic growth of a region or state.  Centers are guided by industry representatives to lead collaborative and coordinated statewide education and training efforts to build a competitive workforce in a global economy.

Centers:

• Maintain an institutional reputation for innovation and responsive education and training delivery to their targeted industry.
• Act as a broker of information and resources related to their targeted industry for industry representatives, community-based organizations, economic development organizations, community and technical colleges, secondary education institutions, and four-year colleges and universities.
• Translate industry research into best practices.
• Provide system coordination, coaching, and mentoring to assist in building seamless educational and work-related systems.
• Build a competitive workforce for driver industries in Washington State.

Washington's State Board for Community and Technical Colleges selected ten community and technical colleges to serve as Centers of Excellence, including Walla Walla Community College which is home to the Agriculture Center of Excellence.

Statewide Centers of Excellence:

The Center's mission is to increase the competitiveness of manufacturers using composites and other advanced materials through workforce training and education. Located at Everett Community College

The Center is positioned to support the allied health industry in its efforts to ensure a continuous pipeline of new healthcare professionals, to address skill-related training needs, and to upgrade the skills of the existing workforce. Located at Yakima Valley Community College

The Center supports, mentors and advises community colleges and their K-20 partners to help create and expand the career ladder opportunities in education. Located at Green River Community College

The Center provides leadership for a growing alliance of energy, industry and college partners which give training opportunities that focus on the future of the energy industry. Located at Centralia College.

The Center is a resource for industry professionals, colleges and others interested in preparing a diverse workforce for the construction industry. Located at Renton Technical College 

The Center facilitates and coordinates homeland security initiatives with a coalition of community and technical colleges, public agencies and private sector organizations. The Center provides and brokers education and training to prepare a skilled workforce to maintain our national security. Located at Pierce College.

 The Center serves as the core for innovation, best practices and industry-trend research associated with the IT industry and technology-infused companies. Located at Bellevue Community College

The Center advocates for Washington State both nationally and internationally in international trade, transportation, and logistics.  Located at Highline Community College

The Center supports a regional alliance comprised of business, industry, workforce development and education representatives to build a world-renowned marine industry through training opportunities that develop skilled workers. Located at Skagit Valley College