Green River College will expand training opportunities for South King County residents
pursuing high-demand aerospace careers, thanks to $2.65 million in federal funding
secured by U.S. Senator Patty Murray.
The funding supports the joint request from GRC, Renton Technical College, and the City of Kent for the project, “Investing in the Future of Kent Valley’s Air & Space Manufacturing Workforce” and advances the work of the Kent Valley Air & Space Manufacturing Roundtable, a regional coalition of industry leaders, municipalities, educational institutions, and workforce partners committed to building a stronger aerospace workforce.
The CDS funding will allow GRC and RTC to enhance their Mechatronics programs with the latest equipment, expand hands-on training capacity, and ensure industry-aligned curriculum. The City of Kent will lead expanded employer partnerships and youth workforce development efforts to connect more students to aerospace career pathways.
“When education opens financial doors, families and communities thrive,” said Green River College Interim President George Frasier. “This investment, secured through Sen. Murray’s leadership and regional partnership, strengthens pathways into high-demand aerospace careers. Together, we’re creating opportunity for students across Southeast King County and strengthening our workforce.”
Aerospace remains one of Washington’s largest manufacturing sectors and a major economic driver in South King County. For Green River College, this investment expands access to industry-aligned credentials, modernizes instructional equipment, and strengthens connections between students and local employers.
“This initiative will help shape the next generation of aerospace professionals and ensure our region remains a national hub for air and space manufacturing,” said Renton Technical College President Yoshiko Harden. “We’re so grateful that Sen. Murray recognizes how this work will strengthen our region and our state.”
The Air and Space Roundtable’s goals are to:
- Expand career pathways in high-demand aerospace fields, particularly for underrepresented populations in South King County.
- Strengthen employer-driven workforce initiatives that connect industry leaders with educators to develop real-world, skills-based training programs.
- Enhance curriculum and credentialing to include project-based learning, industry certifications, and pathways to aerospace engineering degrees.
- Modernize training facilities with state-of-the-art equipment that mirrors the evolving technology of the aerospace industry, ensuring hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and practices.
The project is part of $121 million in Congressionally Directed Spending secured by Senator Murray for community projects across Washington state.
“As long as I am at the table, Washington state’s priorities are going to be federal priorities,” Sen. Murray said.
Photo courtesy of Core Plus Aerospace