Legislative candidates to discuss STEM Education at Wenatchee forum

Dr. Faimous Harrison, President of Wenatchee Valley College

Andrew Engell

Hunter Abell

Rocky Dean

Soo Ing-Moody

Dr. Sara Thompson Tweedy

Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-13

Rep. Tom Dent, R-13

Dr. Tracey Edou, Superintendent of Cascade School District

Brian Burnett

Daniel Scott

Heather Koellen

Representative Keith Goehner

Representative Mike Steele

Sen. Shelly Short, R-7

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WENATCHEE - Legislative candidates from three Washington state districts are set to participate in a forum focused on the future of STEM education and career-connected learning for youth. The event, organized by the Apple STEM Network in collaboration with North Central Educational Service District (NCESD) and NCW Tech Alliance, will take place on Monday, October 7, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the NCESD office in Wenatchee.

The forum will feature candidates from Districts 7, 12, and 13, providing an opportunity for the public to hear their perspectives on these critical educational issues. Senator Shelly Short is scheduled to offer insights on STEM education and career-connected learning before the candidate panels begin at 5:00 p.m.

Dr. Faimous Harrison, President of Wenatchee Valley College, will moderate the District 7 panel, which includes candidates Andrew Engell, Hunter Abell, Rocky Dean, and Soo Ing-Moody. The District 13 panel, moderated by Dr. Sara Thompson Tweedy, President of Big Bend Community College, will feature Representative Alex Ybarra and Representative Tom Dent. Dr. Tracey Edou, Superintendent of Cascade School District, will lead the District 12 panel with candidates Brian Burnett, Daniel Scott, Heather Koellen, Representative Keith Goehner, and Representative Mike Steele.

The event is free and open to employers, educators, parents, and community members. Attendees can participate in person, with registration required, or virtually via a Zoom webinar link. The organizers aim to accommodate a wide audience, recognizing the significance of these educational topics for the community.

Before the candidate panels, attendees will be introduced to the Apple STEM Network and current policies related to STEM education and career-connected learning. This background information is intended to provide context for the discussions that follow.

Event Schedule:

• 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.: Welcome and Introduction to Apple STEM Network and Policy Overview
• 4:30 - 5:00 p.m.: Insights from Senator Short on STEM Education and Career Connected Learning
• 5:00 - 5:45 p.m.: District 7 Candidates Panel, moderated by Dr. Famous Harrison, President of Wenatchee Valley College
• 5:45 - 6:10 p.m.: District 13 Candidates Panel, moderated by Dr. Sara Thompson Tweedy, President of Big Bend Community College
• 6:10 - 7:00 p.m.: District 12 Candidates Panel, moderated by Dr. Tracey Edou, Superintendent of Cascade School District
• 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.: Networking Session

The Apple STEM Network, part of a statewide effort supported by Washington STEM, represents a diverse region with significant potential for STEM industry growth in agriculture, energy, and innovation. The organization works in partnership with the North Central Educational Service District and NCW Tech Alliance to promote STEM education and opportunities in North Central Washington.

For those interested in attending or learning more about the candidates, detailed information and registration links are available on the NCESD website at https://www.ncesd.org/event/legislative-forum-2024. The virtual attendance option via Zoom will be accessible on the NCESD website on October 6, the day before the event.

This forum comes at a time when STEM education and career-connected learning are increasingly recognized as crucial components of preparing students for the evolving job market. The event offers a platform for candidates to share their visions and for the community to engage in discussions about the future of education in their districts.