For two weeks this summer, our Bremerton and Spokane offices were filled with curiosity, connection, and hands-on learning as students dove into the Tessera Summer Academy programs. From building trade skills to earning real-world certifications, these experiences are opening doors and creating pathways for meaningful, long-term careers.
Building Skills and Confidence in Bremerton
In Bremerton, 16 students got an inside look at what it takes to succeed in the skilled trades in Tessera Summer Academy: Tools for the Trades. From building maintenance and HVAC to electrical and plumbing, students learned by doing — rolling up their sleeves for hands-on training, real-world projects, and mentoring from industry professionals.
Along the way, students earned their OSHA 10 certification, practiced safe work habits, and applied what they learned through capstone projects like plumbing and PVC system builds. They also strengthened job-ready skills like workplace professionalism, teamwork, and interview prep.
To bring the learning to life, students stepped off campus for job site tours with Washington State Ferry and Olympic College, giving them a firsthand look at real-world career pathways and connections in the field.
The goal? To build more than just skills — to build confidence, relationships, and a strong foundation for entering the workforce.
Mission Employment: Workforce Readiness in Spokane
At the same time, our Spokane team hosted Tessera Summer Academy: Mission Employment!, giving 21 students an exciting, hands-on pathway to gain essential work readiness skills and connect directly with local employers.
Highlights of the program include:
- Earning Washington State Food Handler’s Cards
- Completing Red Cross Adult First Aid/CPR/AED certifications, helping students understand workplace safety and how to respond to emergencies.
- Developing soft skills like teamwork, communication, leadership, and problem-solving — all built into daily activities and projects.
- Visiting real job sites: students toured Northwest Seed & Pet and Riverside Retirement Community, and will tour Northern Quest and Flight 509 to gain behind-the-scenes insights into potential career paths.
- Practicing real-world job skills like resume building, interview practice, and even preparing for around 16 internships to help them step confidently into the workforce.
These experiences not only build confidence but also show students the variety of paths available in their community and help them see what’s possible.
Empowering Excellence Together
Tessera’s Summer Academy is part of our commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment. By providing supportive, practical training and real-world exposure, we help students build skills they can take into the workforce — and their future. Seeing students connect, grow, and dream bigger reminds us why this work matters. We’re incredibly proud of each student who stepped up, put in the work, and is now ready to take the next step toward a bright future. We believe in a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive — and that starts with access, training, and a supportive community that believes in what’s possible. Together, we’re opening doors, changing lives, and Empowering Excellence.
