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Frequently Asked Questions

Are SEATech classes one-year programs?

Each SEATech class is a year-long program (3 credits).  Students can take more than one year (junior and senior years) of all the classes except for the Health Science Careers class.

Are students still connected with the high school?

One of the major attractions of the skill center experience is the connection to the student’s home high school. The skills center is an extension of their high school where students remain for three periods, allowing them to make an important connection to friends, teachers and counselors in both settings.

Can a student do Running Start and take a SEATech class at the same time?

Yes, check with your school counselor for more information.

Can I earn dual credits (college credits) while attending the skills center?

SEATech Skills Center works closely with Walla Walla Community College, and other post-secondary schools to provide advanced placement and credits for high school students.  Students at SEATech Skills Center can earn college credit via the Dual Credit program. The program is offered through various Tech Prep Consortia in the state. The majority of the Dual Credit agreements are with Walla Walla Community College. The Dual Credit articulation agreements allow students to earn college credit if they maintain a B or better over the course of two semesters.

The Dual Credit program provides a number of benefits to students, parents and teachers. Some of those benefits include the following:

  1. Students can earn college credit for professional/technical courses taken within the high school that are managed through the articulation process.
  2. Students can streamline their secondary and post-secondary education by not enrolling for coursework that repeats competencies they have already gained through high school classes.
  3. Students can spend less on tuition, fees, and books.
  4. Students can generally use up to 15 credits of professional/technical coursework toward their transfer degree if they choose to continue on to a four-year university. As in all cases, the post-secondary institutions have the final say on acceptance of any credit.
  5. Direct Credit promotes a smooth transition for students from secondary to post-secondary institutions.
  6. The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges reports that students who receive dual credit: (1) generally show a higher grade point average than their peers while in college, (2) are more likely to transition to their local community college, and (3) are more likely to stay in college.

Does SEATech offer summer school classes?

SEATech offers summer school courses in June after the end of the school year. SEATech summer programs are offered to high school age students, including incoming freshmen. Summer classes are generally 6 1/2 hours a day for 14 days. Students will earn a semester credit (.5) upon successful completion of the course. Offerings usually include introductory classes for most of our programs, and students have found that it's a good way to get a feel for what each class offers.

How do students apply for admission?

Complete our Enrollment Form and notify your school counselor. Contact your sending school counselor or SEATech for more details.

What about certification?

Many of our programs prepare a student for professional or technical certification. National certifications are recognized anywhere in the United States. More information may be found in each course description.

What about grades and credit?

Grades will be assigned by the instructor and credit will be given by the sending high school.

What are equivalency credits?

All programs at the skills center offer successful completers at least 1.5 Occupational or Elective credits per semester towards their high school graduation requirements. The programs offer an equivalency credit option as well (fulfilling multiple graduation requirements). For a student to earn an equivalency credit they must successfully pass the program and equivalency portions of the curriculum.

Equivalency credits are utilized at the discretion of the sending school district. Check with your sending school to find out what equivalencies are accepted in your district.

Equivalency Credits Form

What does the calendar and bell schedule look like?

SEATech will follow the WWPS academic school year calendar. Click to see our bell schedule.

What is the attendance policy at SEATech?

Students are expected to be in class each day following the Walla Walla Public Schools Calendar. For more information about our Attendance Policy please refer to the SEATech Student Handbook.

What is the code of conduct for students attending?

Students attending SEATech are a dedicated group of individuals interested in being here. In the event a student does not follow published classroom behavior expectations, progressive discipline will be implemented.

For more information about our Code of Conduct please download the Student Handbook.

What is the cost to attend SEATech?

There is no cost for students of member districts. Some programs have a lab fee or require specialized clothing.

What is the procedure for absences?

If you are absent for any reason, please call the office at 509.526.2000, email the secretary Alba Mehn (amehn@wwps.org), or send a note. Calling your sending school will not clear your absence here at SEATech.  Please also notify SEATech if you will be absent for any event at your sending school.

What programs are offered?

SEATech currently offers five programs, described briefly below.

Advanced Manufacturing / Welding Technology
This state of the art, industry-based shop environment is designed for the student who is ready to develop skills and understanding of manufacturing, welding and metal fabrication. Students will practice skills that will prepare them to further their education for industries such as building fabrication, machining, construction, foundry work, agricultural, aerospace and many more. Students are taught safety, design, processes, light and heavy fabrication, common terms and industry expectations. Students will work on equipment commonly found in modern fabrication and manufacturing industries. This learning opportunity will provide hands-on practice and knowledge which could lead to industry certification and college credits.

Careers in Media & Entertainment:
Students get an opportunity to level up their skills and join the rapidly expanding world of digital filmmaking. The demand has never been greater for content producers who understand how to consistently turn out high-quality media. Our hands-on approach is reinforced by the idea that achieving a greater fluency in story structure and storytelling techniques offers the decisive edge that content creators require in order to compete. Student work is a mix of class assignments, self-selected projects and client jobs for area schools, organizations and non-profits. Documentary, PSA, advocacy and corporate video techniques are taught alongside fictional, genre and narrative filmmaking methods. Students acquire sufficient skills and knowledge either to seek employment in a range of audio and video production settings or to further their education in a clearly articulated pathway.

Construction Technology
An exciting new course that will prepare students with occupational skills in the areas of blueprint reading, carpentry, electrical systems, masonry and plumbing, this program offers hands-on introduction to the construction building trades. Students will research and design both renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, including the construction of residential structures. These skills can be applied to a wide range of careers. Also new to this program is the very popular Geometry in Construction. This highly-anticipated aspect of the course gives students a uniquely visual approach to geometry while adhering to both industry and academic standards.

Criminal Justice:
This Law Enforcement course is an overview of the criminal justice system and the careers available in this growing employment field. Students will investigate the roles of local and state law enforcement agencies, federal agencies, corrections and supporting careers. Learning opportunities include field trips to criminal justice and public service facilities. Students will receive training in critical analysis, conflict resolution, record keeping, technical writing, fingerprinting, investigative procedures, patrol procedures and criminal/traffic laws. How laws are created, the difference between criminal and civil laws, and law enforcement ethics will also be explored.

  • Learn to think creatively in exploring ways to promote public safety, prevent crime and improve the state of the criminal justice system overall.
  • Learn the latest practices from career professionals
  • Receive training in conflict resolution, record keeping, fingerprinting, investigative procedures, patrol procedures and criminal/traffic laws.
  • Get hands-on training and career insights through field trips to local criminal justice and public service facilities.
  • Get training that could lead to careers like corporate security, private investigation, attorney, law enforcement, detective, federal agent, probation officer, and game warden.

Health Science Careers: 
The Health Science Careers program introduces students to the health care field, with an emphasis on knowledge and skills applicable to many health care occupations. Students explore health careers in their areas of interest, as well as targeted demand areas for future job openings. Students successfully completing all coursework, and the clinical internship, will be eligible to take the Washington State Nurse Assistant Certification (NAC) exam. Students successfully completing the course with a B or better grade may qualify to earn college credits. *Personal transportation may be required for clinical.

When do students attend class?

SEATech classes are part of the regular WWPS school calendar and school day.  Students either attend a morning or afternoon class.

Morning SEATech class is in session from 7:40 am to 10:10 am.

Afternoon SEATech class is in session from 12:20 pm to 2:50 pm.

See the SEATech Bell Schedule for more details.

Where is SEATech located?

Who can attend SEATech?

Area high school students from:

  • Walla Walla High School
  • Lincoln High School
  • Opportunity Program
  • College Place High School
  • Touchet High School
  • Dayton High School
  • Waitsburg High School
  • Prescott High School

Will students need to have any sort of minimum GPA to enroll in this program?

A minimum GPA or number of high school credits earned are not pre-requisites for enrollment in a SEATech class.  What is a pre-requisite is that the student has a strong interest in the class in which they are enrolling, they have a willingness to work hard to be successful, and they understand that excellent attendance is critical to their success because the class meets for 2.5 hours per day.

The Walla Walla School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Assistant Director of Human Resources, 364 South Park Street, Walla Walla, Washington 99362, (509) 527-3000, has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination.

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