Centers of Excellence
 Centers of Excellence 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 will: - 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.
Centers of Excellence Web Site LinksBellevue Community College is the Center for Information Technology Excellence (CITE), which is affiliated and co-located with the National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies (NWCET). CITE is an information resource and solution provider for model information technology education programs, best practices, up-to-date research, information dissemination, instructor development, and sharing of industry trends impacting employment, education, and business growth across Washington State. Bellingham Technical College is a Center of Excellence for Process Technology, focusing on education and training related to continuous flow processes and instrumentation for industries such as petroleum refineries, chemical processing plants, food processors, pulp and paper mills and wastewater treatment plants. Centralia College's Center of Excellence for Energy Production and Distribution Technology provides leadership for a growing alliance of energy industry and college partners. Together, industry and educational partnerships provide comprehensive degree and certificate programs, on-line courses, and regional classroom training opportunities that focus on the future of the energy industry. Edmonds and Everett Community Colleges jointly host the Materials and Process Development Center of Excellence. The Center's mission is to increase the competitiveness of manufacturers using composites and other advanced materials through workforce training and education. The Washington State Center of Excellence for Careers in Education, housed at Green River Community College, provides support, mentoring, and advising to community colleges and their K-20 partners for the creation and expansion of career-ladder programs in education. The Center provides a yearly best practices conference, a comprehensive web site, curriculum development and dissemination, and training for K-20 instructors and para-professionals. Pierce College's Center for Excellence in Homeland Security facilitates and coordinates Homeland Security initiatives with a coalition of 34 community and technical colleges, public agencies, and private sector organizations. The Center provides and brokers dynamic education and training to prepare a skilled workforce to maintain our national security. Renton Technical College's Construction Center of Excellence is a resource for industry professionals, colleges, and others interested in preparing a diverse workforce for the construction industry. The Construction Center of Excellence showcases innovative educational offerings, at RTC and elsewhere, and promotes awareness of career pathways within construction. The Center for Manufacturing Excellence at Shoreline Community College is industry led by an advisory board. Through collaboration among business, industry, education, and community partners, the Center promotes the manufacturing profession and raise awareness of manufacturing careers and educational opportunities throughout Washington State. The Center is a vital resource to help grow and sustain manufacturers' participation in the global marketplace. Skagit Valley College is home to the Northwest Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing and Technology. The Center is a hub for innovative discussions, resources, training and education services that create a repository of information and illuminate best practices related to industry trends and emerging technologies to foster economic vitality. Walla Walla Community College's Agricultural Center of Excellence provides collaborative leadership in addressing the emerging workforce and economic development interests of rural, urban, and related agriculture in Washington State. The Center is a hub for accessing fast, flexible services and education to meet employer needs. The Allied Health Center of Excellence, located at Yakima Valley College, is dedicated to addressing Washington State's healthcare workforce needs of today and tomorrow. Through collaboration and cooperation with industry partners, the center provides innovative programs to prepare qualified and competent health care professionals and leaders for the future.
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