Announcing High School Skilled Trades Center for Fall 2026
Generous donations move this project forward without drawing from the district’s limited budget.
Thanks to generous donations from local benefactors and volunteers, a new Skilled Trades Center (similar to the one pictured) is projected to open at Hockinson High School in fall 2026. The facility will house Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses where Hockinson High School students can build high-demand job skills like framing, construction, plumbing, and electrical work.
100% Funded by Generous Donations
The project was originally proposed in the February 2025 bond measure, with Hockinson homeowners covering half of the construction costs. Local benefactor Douglas C. Greene offered to match the community’s investment, working with Jon Girod to spearhead the project. When the bond measure did not pass, Greene and Girod managed to keep the project alive by securing additional funding from the Ed and Dollie Lynch Foundation and support from local contractors and parent volunteers. As a result, the project will move forward without drawing from the district’s limited budget.
Greene and Girod have supported the construction of similar CTE buildings that are already serving students in Evergreen Public Schools, Vancouver Public Schools, Ridgefield School District, and La Center School District.
Growing Demand for Job Readiness Courses
Interest in CTE courses in Hockinson School District is at an all-time high. Annual enrollment in CTE courses has increased by more than 40% from 2021 to 2025, quickly outpacing the available classroom and equipment storage space. These programs help students explore career pathways and graduate with practical skills valued by employers.
“Hands-on learning in settings that meet industry standards is one of the most powerful ways students build confidence and real-world skills. This Skilled Trades Center will expand opportunities for Hockinson students to explore careers and graduate with practical experience,” said Tim Fox, Principal at Hockinson High School.
Construction will take place this summer, preparing the new Skilled Trades Center to welcome Hockinson High School students for hands-on job readiness courses in fall 2026.