This year marked a special moment in Skills Inc.’s history as we celebrated 25 years of our Aerospace Internship Program (AIP) and the inaugural graduating class of our Advanced Manufacturing Leadership Academy (AMLA). Both programs are designed to empower high school students with hands-on experience, career readiness, and the confidence to take on their next chapter—whether that’s college, joining the workforce, or something in between.
Twenty-five students completed the AIP this year, and five trailblazers made history as the first graduates of AMLA. Over the course of the school year, these students immersed themselves in hands-on training, honed their technical and leadership abilities, and prepared for the exciting paths ahead.
On June 11th, we gathered at Emerald Downs for a graduation luncheon to recognize their achievements. The room was filled with pride as parents, educators, mentors, sponsors, and community partners came together to celebrate. It was a powerful reminder of what is possible when students are given meaningful opportunities—and when an entire community rallies behind them.
We were honored to welcome two guest speakers: Nikki Malcom, CEO and Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance, and Kelsey Kaufmann, an Inclusive Education Teacher from Kent-Meridian High School. Their messages of encouragement, reflection, and wisdom reminded students that this graduation is only the beginning of what they can achieve.
To everyone who has supported these students—and to all who have helped shape the AIP over the past 25 years—thank you. Your belief in the potential of young people makes a lasting impact.
And to our Class of 2025: congratulations! You’ve made us incredibly proud. No matter where life takes you next, your resilience, curiosity, and determination will continue to shape the world around you.
