WANIC Information Event
On March 25, 2025, the Cultural and Family Partnerships team hosted "WANIC Information Event" event for 9th-12th graders. The purpose of this information night is to provide families with a general overview of the WANIC program so they can make informed decisions as they support and guide their high school student.
Presentation Transcripts
English - WANIC
WANIC Information Event
Click here for PPT link
Presented by – Equity and Family Partnership Department and Student Intervention Department
Washington Network for Innovative Careers
Overview of 2025-26 program opportunities for students in grades 11 and 12
WANIC Skill Center (Washington Network for Innovative Careers)
- WANIC Consortium serves Northeast King County
- 7 school districts and 34+ high schools
- Advanced CTE (career technical education)
- 3.0 High School credits per year
- 21 Skill Center programs across 9 locations
SENDING Districts/Schools of the WANIC Consortium
- Northshore
- Riverview
- Lake Washington
- Bellevue
- Mercer Island
- Issaquah
- Snoqualmie Valley
RECEIVING Districts/Schools of the WANIC Consortium
Northshore School District
Woodinville HS - Health Science Careers (Nursing)
Bothell HS - Automotive Technology I and II, Baking & Pastry, Building Industry Tech CorePlus - NEW
Bellevue School District
Interlake HS - Building Industry Tech CorePlus
Bellevue HS - Automotive Technology I and II
Sammamish HS - Health Science Careers (Nursing)
Newport HS - Cisco Networking I and II, Culinary Arts I and II
Issaquah School District
Issaquah High - Sports Medicine
Liberty High - Aerospace Manufacturing Core Plus
WANIC @ Lake Washington Tech (Note: WANIC is different from Lake Washington Tech)
Aviation Technology - STEM - NEW
Dental Careers
Fire & EMS I and II
Health Sciences Careers (Nursing)
ISB Systems Medicine - NEW
Medical Careers
DigiPen
Art & Animation I and II
Data Analytics & Visualization - NEW
Game Design I and II
Music & Sound Design I and II
Video Game Programming I and II
WANIC Skill Center programs
- Open to high school juniors (11th grade) and seniors (12th grade)
- Career & Technical Education (CTE)
- Full year (two semesters) Skill Center preparatory programs
- Summer Semester available (grades 9-12) for exploratory programs
What's in it for Students?
- Career pathway experience
- Preparation Employment and College
- Advanced skills training
- State-of-the-art equipment
- CTE graduation pathway fulfilled
- Dual Credit (high school and college credit)
- College credit and/or industry certifications
- Options to continue in 2-year and 4-year colleges
- Student leadership opportunities
- Experienced instructors supported by Advisory Committee
Eligibility Requirements for WANIC applicants
- Registered at a WANIC Consortium high school
- Junior or Senior standing *
- Approval from Career Specialist
- On track to graduate at home high school
- Some programs require an information session
- Some programs have pre-requisites
- April 15th is priority application deadline for programs in Northshore and Bellevue districts
- Must provide your own, reliable transportation
* 10th grade students may be considered for some programs.
Expectations for success in a WANIC program
- Show up to every class - attendance is critical!
- Complete daily homework/assignments
- Turn in all assignments on time
- Read college-level textbooks
- Practice technical writing
- Demonstrate hands-on skills
- Work independently and in teams
- *see Course Expectations Guide on website (wanic.org)
Important Considerations
- Half the school day spent in a different location than home high school
- Commitment and logistics – some classes start early (7:00 am) or end late (6:00 pm)
- Transportation, travel time, after school activities, family commitments, work
- Follow calendar and schedules of the receiving school district – often different than home high school and Running Start
- WANIC is NOT a Running Start program
Scheduling - Start and end time Options
WANIC - 3 Periods --> Travel/Lunch Period --> Home High School - 3 Periods
Home High School - 3 Periods --> Travel/Lunch Period --> WANIC - 3 Periods
Home High School - 4 Periods --> DigiPen after school - 3 Periods
Home High School - 6-7 Periods --> DigiPen aft school - 3 Periods CHALLENGING!
Important Considerations
- ATTENDANCE
- Consistent attendance is a key predictor of success
- Can be a big challenge for many students
- Absences have significant impact!
- 1 day of WANIC = 3 days missed in a regular high school class
- Hands-on skills may not be reproduced after absence
- Recommendation: Have a Transportation ‘Plan A’ and ‘Plan B’… even ‘Plan C’ to get to class daily!
What are the Costs?
- Programs are always FREE !
- Some programs may have supplies/materials fees
- Financial assistance available - Barrier Reduction funds
- Any student in any Skill Center program may qualify for assistance if one or more of these apply:
- Student receives Free/Reduced lunch at sending school
- Family qualifies for another state-funded program
- School Counselor confirms family has financial need
Financial Assistance
- If eligible for financial assistance, ‘Barrier Reduction Funds’ can cover costs such as:
- Class fees if applicable (BR funds do not cover optional supplies)
- Required uniform costs
- Gas card or ORCA bus pass (ORCA free if under 18 years)
- Other items may be fully/partially covered
Support Services at WANIC
- WANIC partners with the student’s support team from the sending high school to ensure a good fit and the program expectations are clear prior to enrollment.
- IEP (Individual Education Plan) Special Education
- 504 Accommodation Plans
- MLL/ELL=Multilingual Learner/English Language Learner
- Parents/Families: Connect with your school's support team (IEP case managers and counselors) if interested in WANIC programs.
Dual Credit High School and College
- Students may earn college credit in addition to high school credit
- College credit mainly through Bellevue College or LWTech
- Must apply for college credit and pay fee by end-of-year deadline
- Must earn a B grade or better
- PNWCC provides college transcript
- WANIC/DigiPen students have opportunity to earn credit toward DigiPen Institute of Technology
- DigiPen Student and parent/guardian must declare intent for credit at start-of-year
Skill Center Programs
The following is a list of the WANIC programs offered next year.
For a full listing and descriptions of WANIC programs offered, visit our website:https://wanic.lwsd.org/
Automotive Technology
Bothell HS, Bellevue HS
Two year program available
3 HS credits: CTE (2.0) Lab Science (1.0)
*Apply before April 15th
Industry certification: Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
Discover the real-world experience of automotive careers
Use the latest equipment, procedures, and systems.
Aviation Technology - STEM NEW!
Location: WANIC @ LWTech
3 HS credits: CTE (2.0) Lab Science (1.0) PENDING
Prerequisite: Geometry
This STEM course is an entry point into a multitude of careers in the aviation industry such as an Airline Pilot, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator, or Air Traffic Controller. Students will use a simulator and have the opportunity to earn ground school certificates –VFR (visual flight rules); IFR (instrument flight rules); and drone skills
Baking & Pastry
Bothell HS
3 HS credits: CTE (2.0) Lab Science (1.0)
*Apply before April 15th
Learn techniques of mixing, shaping, and folding, while applying the science and math behind baking. Practice decorating techniques like sugar and chocolate garnishing in a well-equipped, industry standard kitchen.
Building Industry Technologies Core Plus Construction
Locations: Interlake HS, Bothell HS
3 HS credits: CTE (1.0) Science (1.0) Third Year Math (1.0)
*Apply before April 15th
Basic construction skills, use and safety of shop equipment, precision measuring, material science, print reading, extensive record keeping.
Cisco Networking Academy
Location: Newport HS
Two year program available
3 HS credits: CTE (3.0)
*Apply before April 15th
Industry certifications: Year 1 – CCNA (Cisco Certified Networking Associate)
Year 2 – CCNP (Cisco Certified Networking Professional)
State-of-the-art networking lab. Design, build, manage, and troubleshoot networks.
State-of-the-art networking lab. Design, build, manage, and troubleshoot networks.
Culinary Arts
Location: Newport HS
Two year program available
3 HS credits: CTE (3.0)
*Apply before April 15th
Industry certifications: Food Handler Permit
Explore careers in a variety of food related industries. Learn professional food production techniques, restaurant management, catering, purchasing, leadership, and more.
Dental Careers
WANIC @ LWTech
3 HS credits: CTE (2.0) Lab Science (1.0)
Prerequisite: Biology recommended
Explore dental careers opportunities. Learn about instruments, procedures, sterilization, radiography, anatomy, infection control, etc. State-of-the-art dental lab and equipment.
Industry certifications: Basic Life Support First Aid & CPR
*optional: National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA)
Fire & EMS
WANIC @ LWTech
Two year program available
3 HS credits: CTE (1.0) Lab Science (1.0) PE (1.0)
Taught by active, off-duty firefighters.
Industry certification: Basic Life Support First Aid & CPR
Part of each week is spent at local fire departments.
Class is mix of hands-on training and academics.
Health Science Careers
WANIC @ LWTech, Sammamish HS, Woodinville HS
3 HS credits: CTE (1.5) Lab Science (1.0) Health (0.5)
Prerequisite: Biology recommended
Real-life experience at health care clinics.
Industry certification: Basic Life Support First Aid & CPR
Test to become Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) and complete the National Nurse Aid Assessment Program (NNAAP).
Medical Careers
WANIC @ LWTech
3 HS credits: CTE (1.5) Lab Science (1.0) Health (0.5)
Prerequisite: Biology recommended
Explore the fields of medicine and medical assisting.
Field trips, job shadows, guest speakers.
Industry certification: Basic Life Support First Aid & CPR
Sports Medicine
Issaquah HS
3 HS credits: CTE (2.0) Science (1.0)
*Apply before April 15th
Pre-requisite: Biology recommended
Learn anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, nutrition, injury prevention, rehabilitation, taping and wrapping, classroom instruction, lab participation, field internships
Industry certification: First Aid & CPR
Institute for Systems Biology (IBS) Systems Medicine
Location: WANIC @ LWTech
3 HS credits: CTE (2.0) Pending Lab Science (1.0)*
Prerequisite: Biology
Interdisciplinary STEM and healthcare professionals are trained in biology, engineering, physics, computer science, environmental sustainability, health, big data, and technology. Students actively engage in a series of hands-on laboratory, computer, and community-based units involving medical systems
that aim to be participatory, personalized, predictive, and preventative.
DigiPen Art & Animation
Location: WANIC DigiPen Campus
Two year program available
3 HS credits: Year 1 – CTE (1.0) Fine Art (1.0) Art History (1.0)
Year 2 – CTE (2.0) AP Art Drawing (1.0)
Learn skills to succeed as an artist, illustrator, or animator.
DigiPen Data Analytics & Visualization
Location: WANIC DigiPen Campus
3 HS credits: CTE (2.0) Pending Math (1.0)*
Prerequisite: Algebra 2
Computer science-based program examines practical challenges involving complex real-world data. Extract strategic insights from data, build predictive models to forecast future trends, and efficiently communicate them to inform business strategies.
DigiPen Game Design
Location: WANIC DigiPen Campus
3 HS credits: CTE (2.0) 3rd Year Math (1.0)
For creative-minded students who are deeply curious to understand the behavior and psychology behind games, and eager to learn methods for designing fun and engaging interactive experiences.
DigiPen Music & Sound Design
Location: WANIC DigiPen Campus
Two year program available
3 HS credits: Year 1 – CTE (2.0) Fine Art (1.0)
Year 2 – CTE (3.0)
Year 2 – CTE (3.0)
Combine music composition, history, and theory with practical training in studio recording techniques. Work on a team with video game programmers and animators.
DigiPen Video Game Programming
Location: WANIC DigiPen Campus
Two year program available
3 HS credits: Year 1 – CTE (2.0) AP Comp Sci Principles (1.0)
Year 2 – CTE (2.0) Math Analysis (1.0)
Prerequisite: Algebra 2
Create digital games and interactive experiences.
Registration
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Applications received before April 15, 2025 receive priority. Students will not be enrolled before this date.
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Lotteries will be run and emails regarding enrollment and waitlist status for full-year 2025-26 skill center programs will be sent between April 23 and April 30.
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After 3:00PM April 15, applications will only be accepted for programs with space available.
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Full year applications close 3:00PM Tuesday July 15.
https://applywanic.schoolmint.com/login
Applying to Skill Center Programs
For Issaquah School District students, the Sports Medicine program is NOT a WANIC Application.
WANIC Summer Semester
- 25+ CTE classes (and Health)
- Multiple locations
- 0.5 HS credits (affects GPA)…not ‘Camp’!
- Rising 10th through 12th graders
- Exploratory, rigorous, fast-paced, 3 weeks
- No college credit
- Grade reports sent to high school for official transcription - not optional
- FREE! No fees
- Applications open April, after Spring Break
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
- 7 hours per day for three weeks
- Only one excused absence allowed
- Students with travel plans or school/sports
- commitments should not apply
- There is class on Monday July 3rd
- Challenges
- Students who need extra time
- Students anxious about fast-paced deadlines
2025 Summer Calendar
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Summer semester 2025 dates: Thursday June 26 - Wednesday July 16. Monday-Friday.
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Class time: 8AM-3PM. All classes are in person.
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Application window: Tuesday March 25 (9:00 AM) - Thursday April 24 (3:00 PM)
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Secondary application window: Tuesday May 6 - Sunday June 1 for classes that have openings or short waitlists; seat allocations are first-come, first-served during this SECONDARY application window.
https://wanic.lwsd.org/academics/summer-courses
For more information, contact the WANIC. wanic@lwsd.org or call 425-739-8400
WANIC Overview: Resources
WANIC Skill Center main office is located on the campus of LWTech - the Lake Washington Institute of Technology 11605 132nd AVE NE (office #A108), Kirkland, WA 98034
Email: wanic@lwsd.org Telephone: 425-739-8400 Website: wanic.org