We are so proud of the 29 students who graduated from our Aerospace Internship Program this year! You demonstrated that you are ready for the next step in your life journey. You have set yourself up for future success—wherever that path takes you.

A graduation luncheon was held on June 7th at Emerald Downs. Family members, school administrators, mentors, and donors were in attendance to share in the students’ accomplishments. Guest speakers Kevin Cloud from Boeing, Julie Bannan from Orting High School, and Dylan LeMere—former AIP student who now works in Quality at Boeing—shared thoughts about their accomplishment and offered advice on next steps after high school.

Skills Inc. would like to express its gratitude to everyone that had a hand in mentoring and supporting these students—including family and friends, instructors, employees at Skills Inc., school administrators, community partners, and donors. During the academic year, the interns spent 3 hours a day at Skills Inc., developing valuable career readiness skills while earning credit towards their high school diplomas. They are leaving with experience in applied math, workplace documentation, and graphical literacy as well as important life skills—like being on time, working with peers, receiving direction and being a reliable team member. Fifteen of the students also earned the ACT National Career Readiness Certification. All of these graduates developed the capabilities and attitudes that will help them thrive in their future endeavors. Most importantly, they will leave high school knowing that they are highly capable and that their disability does not define them. Congratulations!