Congressional funds will enable expanded awareness, opportunities, and training that lead to manufacturing jobs in the air and space industry, including upgrading facilities and equipment at Renton Technical College.

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray secured $2.65 million in Congressional Directed Spending to strengthen collaboration between students, colleges, and employers.

Murray approved the request from RTC, Green River College, and the City of Kent for the project, “Investing in the Future of Kent Valley’s Air & Space Manufacturing Workforce.” The funding 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 Renton Technical College and Green River College to enhance their Mechatronics programs with the latest equipment and ensure industry-aligned curriculum and training. Air and space manufacturers across the Kent Valley face a growing shortage of skilled Mechatronics technicians—highly trained professionals who combine expertise in mechanical systems, robotics, electronics, and computer-controlled technologies.

The City of Kent will lead expanded employer partnerships and youth workforce development efforts to connect more students to aerospace career pathways. Some of the funding will be made available to increase partnerships with the K-12 system in South King County school districts, especially to expand career exposure opportunities for a broader array of students.

“This initiative will help shape the next generation of aerospace professionals and ensure our region remains a national hub for air and space manufacturing, and RTC is proud to be leading the way with our hands-on programs,” said Renton Technical College President Dr. Yoshiko Harden. “We’re so grateful that Sen. Murray recognizes how this work will strengthen our region and our state.”

President Harden announced the award at the RTC Foundation’s Student Success Gala on March 7.

Green River will also benefit. “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 partnerships, strengthens pathways into high-demand aerospace careers. Together, we’re creating opportunity for students across Southeast King County and strengthening our workforce.”

The Kent Valley Air & Space Manufacturing 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.
• Improve student awareness of the career opportunities and diverse pathways to success at the wide array of local companies
• 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,” Murray said.