AAUW adds scholarship, networking opportunities for women in WWCC trade programs

WALLA WALLA - The Walla Walla chapter of the American Association of University Women has added a third scholarship type to its scholarship fund for women seeking a trade school certificate. The Women in Trades Scholarship is available to help women enrolled or intending to enroll in trade programs at Walla Walla Community College.

"Locally and nationally, AAUW's mission is to empower women and girls. And we know workforce needs are changing," said AAUW Walla Walla President Mitzi Jensen. "For students not on the four-year college path, learning a trade is a great opportunity to gain economic self-sufficiency.   And we believe the training at WWCC is both high-quality and affordable."

The chapter raises scholarship funds through local kitchen tours and annual book sales and has awarded over $125,000 to women in the Walla Walla Valley since 2016. This year's book sale is scheduled for Feb. 21 through 23 at the Marcus Whitman Hotel.

AAUW Walla Walla scholarships support women earning college degrees and certificates to achieve economic self-sufficiency. The three scholarships are:

• The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Horizons Scholarship is for women pursuing a STEM or STEM-adjacent degree.

• The Walla Walla Branch Scholarship is for women returning to school after a break in their education.

• The Women in Trades Scholarship is for women seeking a certificate to pursue a trade.

In addition to its scholarships, AAUW has partnered with WWCC to host luncheons that provide networking and skills-building opportunities for women enrolled or interested in the college's trade programs. The lunches began over the summer and feature former students, resume-building tips, and financial advice.

"Our long-term goal is to create a strong network for WWCC students and WWCC Women in Trades graduates," said Tracii Hickman, AAUW's Women in Trades Project co-chair.

One of WWCC's most popular trade programs is Welding Technology. Kristopher Margart, who leads the program, said the number of women interested in the trade is growing at a time when skilled welders are retiring faster than they can be replaced.

Recent WWCC graduate Kaitlin Nye took her first welding class in high school. After enrolling in a four-year college to study bioengineering and math, she gravitated back to welding because she enjoyed it and found she was good at it.

After enrolling in the WWCC welding program, Nye secured an internship and paid part-time job at Key Technology, a Walla Walla company that manufactures stainless steel food processing equipment. Before working as a welder on Key's night shift, she would attend morning and early afternoon classes.

"Yes, I was tired, but Key is very open and encourages their employees' success," said Nye, who continued working for the company after graduating in spring 2023.

Nye landed her dream job at Cascade Natural Gas about a year ago.

"Getting to the point where all your hard work pays off -- it's just a good feeling," said Nye.

"Kaitlin welds on live natural gas lines," said Margart, her former instructor. "Those are nursing home furnaces and hospital furnaces. You can't turn on your heat in this city without taking the work she does for granted. Every time you cross a bridge, walk into a big building or fill your car with gas, a welder has done something to elevate the quality of life for our society."

Kaitlin Nye often returns to coach WWCC welding students on what it takes to succeed. The AAUW Women in Trades Scholarship will be most welcome, she says, "especially if it allows them to focus solely on their education, without the added stress of working after classes." 

The AAUW is accepting applications for the 2025 scholarships through March 10. Go to http://www.aauwwallawalla.org to apply and to get more information about the scholarship program and other enriching opportunities for women and girls in the Walla Walla Valley.