https://www.columbian.com/news/2024/aug/28/cascadia-tech-academy-to-expand-electrical-program-in-ridgefield/
Evergreen’s Cascadia Tech Academy expanding electrical program to Port of Ridgefield
New space owned by Port of Ridgefield will host students in 2025
By Griffin Reilly, Columbian staff writer
Published: August 28, 2024, 6:09am
The Wisdom Ridge Business Park sits Tuesday in Ridgefield. The Port of Ridgefield has approved a lease with Evergreen Public Schools for space within Wisdom Ridge to house an expansion of programs at Cascadia Technical Academy. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian) Photo Gallery
Cascadia Technical Academy is opening a new space for its pre-electrical program next year at the Wisdom Ridge Business Park in Ridgefield.
The 9,500-square-foot space at 5645 S. 11th St., is owned by the Port of Ridgefield. The building also hosts the Wisdom Ridge Academy — a project-based alternative program operated by the Ridgefield School District.
Evergreen Public Schools operates Cascadia Tech, a tuition-free education in hands-on trades programs. The academy serves 1,350 students in schools across 10 districts. High school juniors and seniors at Cascadia Tech can earn both college credits and industry-specific certifications in programs like automotive technology, culinary arts and dentistry.
The pre-electrical program, which is currently based at Woodland Middle School, sets students on a path for careers as electricians with units in residential and commercial codes, wiring, blueprint reading and more.
For more about Cascadia Tech Academy’s pre-electrical program, visit www.cascadiatechnicalacademy.org/page/pre-electrical online.
Due to the growing waitlist, the school sought a partner for a new, larger space so it could serve an additional 50 pre-electrical students.
“Moving our pre-electrical program to the Port of Ridgefield will allow us to almost double our current program enrollment to about 100 students,” Cascadia Tech Director Joan Huston said in a news release. “Our industry partners have made it clear that we need more electricians in our community, and we are excited that more of our students will be prepared to fill that need.”
The lease will begin Sept. 1 and last five years. Students are not expected to start working on site until fall 2025.
Randy Mueller, CEO of the Port of Ridgefield, said the lease is a perfect fit, as the pre-electrical program fulfills an industry need.
“Their programs benefit students, families and communities across Clark County, and are aligned with the port’s mission of job creation and economic benefit,” he said in the news release. “We’re pleased to be able to provide the kind of space Cascadia Tech needs to continue expanding their programs.”