Seattle Goodwill and Renton Technical College (RTC) have formed a unique partnership that will expand Goodwill’s current Youth Aerospace Program to include a site at RTC. On Friday, July 14, a ribbon cutting and open house will take place from 2-4 pm at the RTC Annex located at 3407 NE 2^nd Street in Renton, WA.

The Goodwill Youth Aerospace Program is a two-year program which provides high school students with a smooth transition through their senior year toward a career in aerospace. The program helps build strong soft skills and connects students with future career opportunities in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. Expansion of the program will further create a direct pipeline of youth interested in a career in aerospace.

“The program has already been very successful in Marysville with 61 enrollments since 2014,” said Barbara "b.g." Nabors-Glass, Vice President, Job Training & Education. “We hope to have 20 students enrolled in this new program in Renton. We are grateful for the numerous partners that have helped make this project a reality including JP Morgan Chase, The Boeing Company, Renton Technical College, Kent School District, and Renton School District.”

“Renton Technical College is excited to be partnering with Seattle Goodwill to provide the Youth Aerospace Program, as we believe this will create a seamless pathway for students currently in high school into college programs that will help them achieve their goals and meet the needs of businesses and industry,” said Angel Reyna, vice president of instruction at RTC.

RTC serves more than 10,000 students annually through career training programs, apprenticeships, and adult basic education. Over 85% of career training graduates find jobs within nine months following graduation.

“Partnerships such as this are crucial in providing access and supporting the success of our youth,” said Kevin McCarthy, president of RTC.  “Education is complex and RTC’s collaboration with Goodwill helps ensure that students will complete their education and move into rewarding careers.”

Goodwill and RTC invite members of the community to the event to learn more about the new program.  Please RSVP to rsvp@seattlegoodwill.org or call (206) 860-5738 to attend.

For more information, please contact Katherine Boury, Communications Manager at katherine.boury@seattlegoodwill.org or (206) 860-5733.

Seattle Goodwill Industries is a private, nonprofit organization that has served the central and northern Puget Sound since 1923. It provides free job training and education programs and services that help low-income and underserved people obtain the skills they need to secure employment so they may achieve economic self-sufficiency. For more information about Goodwill programs, please visit our Job Training & Education page or call toll-free 1 (877) GIVE4GOOD.