Washougal School District is partnering with Cascadia Technical Academy to offer two skills center programs hosted in Washougal. Starting in the Fall of 2025, Cascadia Technical Academy will open a Teaching Academy program and a Forest Management program. Both programs will be housed at the Excelsior building at Washougal High School, and be open to students from Washougal and surrounding districts.
The Teaching Academy will have classes that build on the education pathway courses offered at Washougal High School, and help students earn a Washington State Paraeducator Certificate, or to pursue higher education to get a teaching certificate.
Career and Technical Education Director Margaret Rice said, “this is an exciting set of programs to bring to Washougal, and fits with our goal of expanding innovative programs that serve our students. We’re excited to partner with CTA to bring these programs to Washougal, building on their experience hosting these in other districts.”
The Forestry Management program will prepare students for career opportunities in natural resource careers by providing coursework and field experience around watershed ecology, timber management practices, and builds on the Advanced Placement Environmental Science courses at WHS.
Interim Superintendent Aaron Hansen said, “Skills Center across the state offer programs that are unique to their region, and the brand new Forestry Management program will take advantage of opportunities for students to visit the Steigerwald Wildlife Refuge, Kerr Park and the district owned property adjacent to the park, and other areas around Washougal to have hands-on experience that will serve them in careers or post secondary education.”
Cascadia Technical Academy Director Joan Huston said, “By opening these two satellite programs, we are expanding opportunities for more students across Southwest Washington. We are thrilled to offer a Teaching Academy for smaller school districts that currently lack such a program. Additionally, Forest Management is an exciting new offering for us, and we look forward to collaborating with industry partners to develop it further.”
Teachers for the program would be provided by Cascadia Technical Academy. Depending on student interest, the program would be offered both in a morning and afternoon session with capacity for 25-30 students in each program in both morning and afternoon sessions. Students and families interested in this opportunity can contact their schools’ counselor, who can guide the student in applying for the program this winter.
The registration information will also be on the Cascadia Technical Academy website https://www.cascadiatechnicalacademy.org/. Application opens January 17.
