“Even through unprecedented times like these, we are a stronger foundation because of the dedicated and generous sponsors who value our student’s success,” Foundation Board President Brenda Collons said. “We thank them for their continued support,”
The highlight was a May 20 virtual event, which included an inspiring video featuring two students and a live address by Emily Parkhurst, Publisher of the Puget Sound Business Journal. Parkhurst said the economy is rebounding from the pandemic, and RTC graduates can fill workforce needs.
“Schools like Renton Technical College can be nimble, reacting to the current and future needs of this region’s employers,” Parkhurst said. “We need more creative solutions to make sure all students have equal access to the incredible opportunities our employers are providing.”
RTC President Kevin McCarthy thanked donors for their steadfast support, especially during the challenging last year.
“Our supporters have enabled us to continue to equitably serve students and help them all succeed,” McCarthy said. “Through rapid and constant change, our donors showed up for students.”
While the Foundation typically hosts an in-person breakfast as its largest fundraiser of the year, the event this year was conducted through Zoom because of the pandemic. Sponsors such as Platinum Sponsor Urban Renaissance Group were critical to the success of raising money for students.
“These savvy students are well on their way to becoming high achievers with their start in pursuing high-demand trades,” said Renee Evans, vice president for Human Resources and Organizational Development. “We applaud their pursuits, their dedication to themselves, and look forward to seeing them enter the local talent pipeline. Thank you, RTC, for continuing to mold our region’s economic engine with your workforce development education and encouraging the careers our company needs to help be successful.”
Another platinum sponsor, Associated Builders & Contractors of Western Washington, focuses on supporting workforce development initiatives within the construction industry and sponsors an annual scholarship for construction students through the RTC Foundation.
“ABC of Western Washington and its contractor members are working tirelessly to recruit, educate and upskill our nation’s future construction workforce, investing in workforce development initiatives to equip our craft professionals with durable and transferable skill sets,” said ABC of Western Washington chapter president and CEO, Wendy Novak.
Other Platinum Sponsors include Boeing, Amazon, and Gesa Credit Union. Gold sponsors were Goodwill, IAM 751, Kaiser Permanente, Renton Housing Authority, Republic Services, and RTC Associated Student Government.