Mission & History
Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center (YV-TECH) began its operation in 1977 with six programs; today that number has increased to twenty-three programs. Operating as a co-op YV-TECH offers technical career programs to local high schools. YV-TECH operates under a ten-member administrative council made up of ten superintendents who are the governing body for YV-TECH.
We provide free technical career training to high school students from sixteen school districts.
We work closely with Yakima Valley Community College, Perry Technical Institute, The Pacific NW Regional Council of Carpenters, Job Corp, The City of Yakima, and other technical and community colleges to provide advanced placement, apprenticeship training, and free college credits for high school students. YV-TECH is currently developing programs in partnership with Boeing, Puget Sound Ship Yard, and the Central Washington Police Academy. Currently, over 90 percent of the YV-TECH programs connect to post-secondary training. This significantly reduces student-training time, costs, and allows students early entrance into the workforce with entry-level industrial skills.
YV-TECH has served over 18,000 students since its opening and many have gone on to work as owners, operators, managers, supervisors, and superintendents in and around our community.
Mission
Our mission is to prepare all students with the skills, knowledge and attitude to successfully advance to the next educational or career level.
Vision
We envision all students with a successful career and provide a positive, constructive contribution to the community in which they live.
Goals
- Provide a safe and respectful environment
- Prepare students to become valued employees
- Build teamwork - to trust, take risks and bring out leadership qualities
- Be honest citizens, quality workers, and responsible family members
- Develop life-long learning skills to achieve personal growth
“Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district’s Title IX compliance officer and ADA coordinator, Jill Kelleher, (509) 573-7066, 104 N. 4th Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902. Inquiries regarding Section 504 requirements may be directed to Mary Masten, (509) 573-2001, 101 S. 6th Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902.”
“Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to attend a program or activity sponsored by the Yakima School District should contact the district’s compliance officer, Jill Kelleher, 104 N. 4th Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 573-7066, 24 hours in advance of the event to inquire about reasonable accommodation. Inquires regarding compliance, and/or grievance procedures may also be directed to Jill Kelleher. TTY/NexTalk services for the deaf or hard of hearing are available at the District phone number, (509) 573-7191.”