Yakima School District And YV-TECH Partner With Skillsline To Expand Workforce Readiness Opportunities -03/03/25

Yakima School District and YV-TECH Partner with Skillsline to Expand Workforce Readiness Opportunities

 

March 3, 2025, Yakima, WA -- The Yakima School District (YSD) and YV-TECH are expanding workforce readiness opportunities for students through a new partnership with Skillsline, a leading career skills development platform. This initiative builds on the growing Yakima Workforce Readiness Project, equipping students with essential employability skills that will prepare them for success in careers, college, and beyond.

 

Through this partnership funded by The DeBruce Foundation, YSD students will gain access to Skillsline's innovative, mobile-first learning platform, designed to help them develop critical skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork, and communication--key attributes that employers seek in today's workforce.

"Yakima School District is committed to preparing students for success after high school, and that means giving them real-world skills they can apply in any career path," said Dr. Trevor Greene, Superintendent of Yakima School District. "By bringing Skillsline into our schools, we are ensuring that our students leave YSD equipped with the confidence and capabilities they need to thrive in an evolving job market."

 

YV-TECH, the premier career and technical education center serving students across multiple school districts in Yakima and Kittitas counties, is proud to announce the implementation of Skillsline's innovative platform. Skillsline offers students a personalized, on-demand learning experience that integrates seamlessly into existing coursework, advanced preparatory career and technical education (CTE) programs, and comprehensive student support services. This strategic partnership will further strengthen each student's professional career readiness by enhancing their knowledge and skills, ensuring they are well-equipped to succeed in today's competitive workforce.

 

"Implementing Skillsline's training is a significant step forward in our mission to provide top-tier education and support to our students," said Bonnie Smith, Principal of YV-TECH and Executive Director of CTE.

 

Students participating in the program will engage in interactive learning modules, helping them recognize, speak to, and apply their skills in real-world situations. Educators and staff will also receive training and resources to support students' career development journeys.

 

"Workforce readiness isn't just about technical skills--it's about developing strong, adaptable professionals who can communicate, collaborate, and solve problems," said Courtney Reilly, Co-Founder of Skillsline. "We appreciate The DeBruce Foundation's commitment to building career literacy, and we're thrilled to partner with Yakima School District and YV-TECH to empower students with the skills they need to take their next steps confidently."

 

The expansion of Skillsline in YSD and YV-TECH marks a significant step in strengthening career-connected learning opportunities in Yakima, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet the demands of an ever-changing workforce.

 

About Yakima School District
The Yakima School District (YSD) serves approximately 15,500 students across 26 schools, making it the 20th largest district in Washington and the fourth largest in Eastern Washington. Committed to preparing students for success in college, career, and life, YSD provides a variety of academic and career-focused opportunities designed to support individual learning paths.

YSD values student voice and actively engages students in shaping their educational experiences through leadership opportunities, career exploration, and collaborative decision-making. The district also prioritizes strong partnerships with parents and families, recognizing that education is most effective when schools and communities work together.

Website: https://www.ysd7.org/

 

About Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center (YV-TECH)

Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center (YV-TECH) is a premier career and technical education center serving high school students from 16 school districts across Central Washington. Established in 1977, YV-TECH offers 23 hands-on training programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers and post-secondary education. Through partnerships with local industries, colleges, and apprenticeship programs, YV-TECH provides students with real-world experience, free college credits, and pathways to high-wage, high-skill employment. With a mission to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset for career success, YV-TECH continues to be a leader in workforce readiness and technical education.

Website: https://yvtech.ysd7.org/

 

About Skillsline

Skillsline is a workforce development platform that provides skill-building resources to help students and professionals develop career-ready competencies essential for success in today's economy. Its mobile-first, on-demand approach helps learners gain the confidence and skills needed to excel in any career path.

Website: https://www.skillsline.co/

 

About The DeBruce Foundation

The DeBruce Foundation is a national foundation whose mission is to expand pathways to economic growth and opportunity. The Foundation is committed to helping individuals unlock their potential and find career pathways. By developing solutions such as the Agile Work Profiler(C), we change how people pursue careers. By partnering strategically, we increase exposure to widen career opportunities, starting with youth and working across the lifespan.

Website: https://debruce.org/