Washington State Skill Center Association

WANIC Programs
About DigiPen Game Design
YouTube Video Link

• Location: DigiPen Institute, Redmond Campus

• 3 High School Credits: Year 1: CTE (2.0), Third Year Math (1.0). 

  Year 2 - CTE (3.0). Course Equivalencies are under consideration

• No Tuition

• 2 Year Program Available

• Program fees may apply. Financial assistance may be available for qualifying students

• DigiPen College Credits Available: Year 1 - DES 100/DES 115, GAM 120

This is a full year 3-period Skill Center class (3 high school credits).

What makes games fun, useful, or engaging? How can we design systems to allow users to get the most enjoyment, the greatest payoff? How do we provide the best value for the player’s investment of time and energy?

This program is intended to complement the current Video Game Programming track. It is for creative-minded students who are deeply curious to understand the behavior and psychology behind games and are eager to learn the skills and methods used for designing fun and engaging interactive experiences.

Students in this project-based program study engagement theory alongside concepts from computer science, psychology, economics, communications, and user experience.

Students will:

• Identify and apply foundational game design theories and mechanics.

• Investigate different game design disciplines including: systems design, level design, user experience design, narrative design, and technical design.

• Apply essential user experience design (UXD) techniques like wireframing, prototyping, user research, and usability testing.

• Learn basic scripting and programming skills to develop game prototypes using game engine.

• Identify industry game design roles and the specific skill sets required by each role, to develop a successful, individual career path.

• Collaborate on team projects with students from the other DigiPen WANIC tracks.

DigiPen Game Design Year 2:

This is a full-year, 3 period Skill Center class (3 high school credits). Second Year Game Design sets out to expand students’ voice as designers by building: confidence, communication techniques, programming, specialized expertise. Each second-year student will select an area of specialty to independently study, practice, and hone their skills to become a subject matter expert. Throughout the year students will mentor first year students and collaborate with peers as they create 3D games.

Learn More
https://wanic.lwsd.org
11605 132nd Ave. NE, Ste. A108
Kirkland, WA 98034
425.739.8400
wanic@lwsd.org

Cascadia Tech Academy
About Information Technology Systems, Service & Security
YouTube Video Link
Information Technology Systems, Service & Security is a two-year program. The ITS3 program provides core skills and knowledge necessary for Computing Systems, Network Administration, and IT Security careers.  IT professionals are in demand and the outlook for continued technology job growth is strong.

The first year's primary focus consists of preparing students to be Computer User Support Professionals by following the CompTIA A+ curriculum.  CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for launching IT careers into today’s digital world.  Students learn skills to be successful in the IT career field by working with mobile devices, desktop computers, printers, networks, and operating systems, and securing small/home offices for remote computing.                   

The second year's primary focus is learning to design and build secure networks, including servers, workstations, printers, and wireless devices, securing networks, and testing networks for security flaws.  In addition, students run the Cascadia Tech Student Help Desk, supporting all Cascadia Tech programs to help them use technology on campus successfully.

Professionalism is an important aspect of the Information Technology curriculum which focuses on teamwork, communication, and job readiness. Career research and exploration of post-secondary education is also a component of this program.

 Students may have the opportunity to participate in industry-driven internships and/or job shadows.

The expected program outcomes for ITS3 students include but are not limited to:

• Preparation for the CompTIA A+ Certification

• CompTIA A+ certified professionals are proven problem solvers

• Configure and deploy desktops, laptops, monitors, printers, servers, IoT device hardware, and other computer peripherals.

• Prepare students to diagnose and resolve general hardware/software issues on desktops, laptops, monitors, printers, and other computer peripherals.

• Configure device operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Server Operating Systems, Chrome OS, Android, and iOS.

• Demonstrate baseline security skills for IT support professionals

• Troubleshoot and problem-solve core service and support challenges while applying best practices for documentation.

• Safety issues as they relate to information technology.

• Implement basic data backup and recovery methods and apply data storage and management best practices.

• Securing data to ensure only the people who are authorized to have access.

• Configuring wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.

• Configuring security settings and protecting remote access and devices.

• Being proficient in identifying threats and mounting an effective defense

Program Benefits:

• Three high school credits

• May qualify for 1.0 Program of Study Math and .5 Lab Science elective academic credit equivalencies. 

• Course Competency Certificate

• Industry-level job skills

• Professionalism

• Client Relations

• Successful completion of the program, with a grade of “B” or higher, may earn up to 21 college credits.

Learn More
www.cascadiatechnicalacademy.org
12200 NE 28th Street
Vancouver, WA 98682
360.604.1050
info@cascadiatechnicalacademy.org

YV-Tech - Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center
Program Info

About Teacher Academy

Program Experience

• This comprehensive course allows students to explore the entire field of education and work as teachers and parapros.

• Through hands-on learning, students gain experience working in various educational settings and prepare for success in post-secondary education, teaching, and counseling programs.

• Following successful completion of this course, students may take the instructional assistant test which can lead to career opportunities in various school districts.

Career Focus

Prepared for immediate employment, advanced certification or additional education

Opportunities

• Certifications

• Internships

• College Credit

Learn More:
yvhttps://yvtech.ysd7.org
1120 S. 18th Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 573-5500

WANIC Programs
About DigiPen Art & Animation
YouTube Video Link

• Location: DigiPen Institute, Redmond Campus

• 3 High School Credits: Year 1 – CTE (1.0), Fine Art (1.0), Art History (1.0).  Year 2 – CTE (2.0), AP Art (1.0)

• 2 Year Program Available

• No Tuition

• Program fees may apply. Financial assistance may be available for qualifying students

• DigiPen College Credits Available: Year 1 - ART 1100, ANI 1000. Year 2 - ART 1120, CG 2000

• Prerequisites Year 1: No prior experience required. 

• Prerequisites Year 2: Successful completion of Year 1.

This is s a full year 3-period Skill Center class (3 high school credits)

Career opportunities for digital artists continue to grow but whether producing art assets for a video game, creating a 2D or 3D animation, or compositing visual effects, today’s artists must have strong traditional skills to be competitive. The DigiPen Art & Animation track focuses on establishing this foundation, concentrating on both art and animation techniques that strengthen artistic skills.

No prior art or animation skills are required as this structured program covers the basics including perspective, color, form, value, design, composition, and timing. Like learning a new language, students gain an understanding of the “grammar” of art and develop a fluency with their digital art skills, they apply critical design process to create the amazing visuals and animation expected by today’s audience.

Learn More
https://wanic.lwsd.org
11605 132nd Ave. NE, Ste. A108
Kirkland, WA 98034
425.739.8400
wanic@lwsd.org

Cascadia Tech Academy
About Forest Management
YouTube Video Link
Forest Management provides career preparation through hands-on experiences with plant identification; tree measurement, diseases, insects, and pathogens, timber stand management, timber harvesting practices and silviculture, fire ecology, mapping and land measurement, forest practice laws, land surveying, and career planning. 

This one-year program is located in Washougal as a satellite campus and will serve high school juniors and seniors from our entire consortium.

Students completing the course and earning a grade of “B” or higher in related course areas are eligible for credits from local community colleges.

Where learning happens outside.

Location

Excelsior Building
1401 39th St.
Washougal, WA 98671

All students will learn: 

• Safety, Well-Being, and Ethics

• Historical, Traditional, and Natural Land Management

• Plant Identification and Watershed Ecology

• Tree Measurement

• Evaluation of Forest Management Practices

• Disease, Insects, and Pathogens

• Timber Cruising and Valuation

• Timber Stand Management and Silviculture

• Fire Ecology Management

• Forest Practice Rules, Laws, and Agencies

• Restoration Ecology Management Plan Implementation

• Restoration Ecology Laws and Agencies

• Career Pathway

• Supervised Agricultural Experience

Program Benefits: 

• College Credits (Grays Harbor Community College)

• 3 high school credits each year

• This program qualifies as a graduation pathway academic credit equivalency

• Preparation for both post-secondary education and skilled-labor jobs

• Scholarship opportunities

• Successful completion of the program, with a grade of “B” or higher, may result in college credits

Learn More
www.cascadiatechnicalacademy.org
12200 NE 28th Street
Vancouver, WA 98682
360.604.1050
info@cascadiatechnicalacademy.org

WANIC Programs
About Dental Careers
YouTube Video Link

This is a full year 3-period Skill Center class (3 high school credits).

The Dental Careers program opens up a world of exciting professional and college opportunities. In a state-of-the-art learning lab, discover the rewarding dental career field. Learn about instruments, dental materials, four-handed dentistry, preventative, restorative, and specialty procedures, patient charting, sterilization, radiography, general and oral anatomy, microbiology, terminology, First Aid/CPR, and infection control. Program includes field trips, guest speakers, team building, and leadership activities and prepares students for further education or an exciting career.

Students read college level textbooks and practice technical writing skills. Students who successfully complete this program have the experience required to work in a dental office as a sterilization or hygiene assistant. Many students choose to continue their dental education at technical colleges and universities majoring in dental assisting, dental hygiene, or dentistry. Dentistry is an exciting, hands-on, and in-demand profession. Dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants are well compensated and have desirable work hours.

Washington State has many excellent schools to further your dental education, including Clark College, Eastern Washington University, Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Renton Technical College, Seattle Community College, Shoreline Community College, University of Washington, and many more.

Learn More
https://wanic.lwsd.org
11605 132nd Ave. NE, Ste. A108
Kirkland, WA 98034
425.739.8400
wanic@lwsd.org

YV-Tech - Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center
Program Info

About Pre-Medical Assistant

Program Experience

• Perform administrative and clinical tasks, such as maintaining patient records, preparing patients and rooms for examination, assisting physicians with exams and performing front-desk tasks

• Serves and protects the practice by adhering to professional standards; facility policies and procedures; and federal, state and local requirements

• Deliver high-quality patient care for examination by performing preliminary physical tests; taking blood pressure, weight, temperature; and reporting patient history summary

Career Focus

Prepared for advanced certification and additional education

Opportunities

• Certifications

• Credit Equivalency

• College Credit

Learn More:
yvhttps://yvtech.ysd7.org
1120 S. 18th Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 573-5500

Cascadia Tech Academy
About Fire Science
YouTube Video Link
This two-year program open to juniors and seniors, allows students to explore a career in the emergency services field with an emphasis on developing fundamental skills in the fire service and the emergency medical service. In addition to studying fire science and emergency medicine, cadets are taught skills in team building, decision-making, and problem-solving. 

This hands-on course is also physically demanding at times. Cadets participate in training fires and are instructed in advanced first aid/CPR. Successful completion of the program, with a grade of "B" or better, may result in college credit.

Students in the Fire Science program year one will learn:

• Washington State Occupational First Aid/CPR

•  Basic firefighting skills

• Teamwork and cooperation skills

• Apply concepts and mathematical procedures

• Hydraulics

• Application of science and physics to the fire ground

• HazMat Awareness

• Physical training

 Students in the Fire Science program year two will learn:

• Wildland firefighting skills

• Advanced firefighting skills and application

• HazMat operations

• Ride-along firefighting experience

• Physical training

Program Benefits:

• Basic & Advanced Firefighting Skills

• HazMat Awareness

• Wildland Firefighting Skills

• Hydraulics

• 3 High School Credits per year

• Ride-Along Firefighting Experience

•  Up to 12 College Credits 

Learn More
www.cascadiatechnicalacademy.org
12200 NE 28th Street
Vancouver, WA 98682
360.604.1050
info@cascadiatechnicalacademy.org

NEWTech Prep
We asked our students what they’re most excited about this year and their answers say it all!
A new school year means new experiences, new friendships, new skills and new opportunities to prepare for what comes next. We’re excited to see where this year takes our students.
Here’s to a great year at NEWTech!
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