Student Elizabeth Roa demonstrated a robotic arm on a piece of machinery in the Renton Technical College Mechatronics lab as U.S. Senator Patty Murray listened intently.

Then Elizabeth asked the longtime U.S. senator if she’d like to try. With a bit of hesitation, the longtime senator pressed the controls, then smiled as the whirring machine came to life.  

Murray spent more than an hour in the lab learning about RTC’s Mechatronics program, which prepares students for high-wage careers in automation and robotics, including in the growing aerospace industry. The program will expand with nearly $1 million in congressionally directed spending secured by Murray.

Instructor Jeremy Thorn and several students walked her through the Mechatronics program, which trains students for high-wage careers in automation and robotics in fields including aerospace. Along with Elizabeth, students Yves Perez-Velasquez, Eli Finegood, and graduate and classroom assistant Mason King joined Thorn in demonstrating the hands-on experience that provides students with real-world skills. Pictured left: student Eli gives Sen. Murray instruction while his classmates Elizabeth and Yves.

“It was an honor for Sen. Murray to see firsthand how the RTC prepares students for the workforce of the future,” President Yoshiko Harden said. “She was as impressed with our students and instructor as we are.”

Murray approved a $2.65 million request to invest in the region's future in air and space. In addition to RTC, Green River College and the City of Kent will receive funds to strengthen collaboration between students, colleges, and employers to advance the work of the Kent Valley Air & Space Manufacturing Roundtable, a regional coalition. Officials from Renton, Kent, Auburn, and Green River College joined RTC representatives for the tour. Pictured right: instructor Jeremy Thorn explains the program to Sen. Murray while President Harden looks on.

“We’re so grateful that Sen. Murray recognizes how this work will strengthen our region and our state,” she said.  “This initiative will help shape the next generation of aerospace professionals and ensure our region remains a national hub for air and space manufacturing.”