WVC announces Center for Technical Education and Innovation groundbreaking

June 9, 2025

Media Contacts:

Marcine Miller, Executive Director, Public Information Office, 509-682-6582, mmiller2@wvc.edu

Rachel Evey, Executive Director, ��ý Foundation, 509-682-6415, revey@wvc.edu

��ý invites the community to a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Center for Technical Education and Innovation (CTEI) building on Thursday, June 12 at 3 p.m. at the Van Tassell Center patio.

Presenters include Dr. Faimous Harrison, WVC President; Representative Mike Steele; Ruby Gaston, Central Washington Representative from the Office of Congresswoman Kim Schrier; Francisco Sarmiento-Torres, Agriculture faculty and co-director of WVC’s Hispanic Orchard Employee Education Program (HOEEP); and Ariel Torres, a student representative from WVC’s Environmental Systems and Refrigeration Technology (ESRT) program.

The Center for Technical Education and Innovation will serve as a hands-on learning facility for skilled trades programs, including agriculture, automotive technology, computer technology, electronics and aerospace electronics, environmental systems and refrigeration technology, industrial technology, and more.

"As President of ��ý, I am excited to invite our community to join us for the groundbreaking of our new Center for Technical Education and Innovation," shared Dr. Faimous Harrison. "This center will advance the college’s role in preparing students and professionals to make long-lasting contributions to the economic growth and vibrancy of our region in North Central Washington. We look forward to sharing this moment with our students, faculty, staff, and friends of WVC."

The CTEI building is scheduled for completion by Fall 2027. The 70,000 square foot $50 million facility will feature specialty labs and training centers.

WVC’s skilled trades programs prepare students to succeed in career paths that require skilled labor and specialized training. The new center will advance the college’s mission in delivering innovative educational opportunities to build a thriving community in North Central Washington.

Funding for the CTEI building is made possible by funds from the State of Washington 2023-25 capital budget allocation that are separate from the college’s operating budget.

The groundbreaking event will feature a ceremonial turning of the dirt. Refreshments will be provided.

Free parking is available at the Smith Gym and Student Recreation Center parking lots along Fifth Street.

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��ý enriches North Central Washington by serving educational and cultural needs of communities and residents throughout the service area. The college is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion for all students and employees and provides high-quality transfer, liberal arts, professional/technical, basic skills and continuing education for students of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds. Visit our website, .

��ý is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment and student enrollment. All programs are free from discrimination and harassment against any person because of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability, age, parental status or families with children, marital status, religion, genetic information, honorably discharged veteran or military status or any other prohibited basis per RCW 49.60.030, 040 and other federal and state laws and regulations, or participation in the complaint process. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and Title IX compliance for both the Wenatchee and Omak campuses:

To report discrimination or harassment: Title IX Coordinator, Wenatchi Hall 2322M, (509) 682-6445, title9@wvc.edu.

To request disability accommodations: Student Access Manager, Wenatchi Hall 2133, (509) 682-6854, TTY/TTD: dial 711, sas@wvc.edu.

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