SEATTLE, Wash. — The Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning announced Wednesday that applications are open for the 2026 Path to Trades Non-Colleges Request for Proposals, a program that provides funds to local organizations to train 11th- and 12th-grade students in Seattle public high schools for trade careers.
The program recently received an investment of over $600,000 from Every Child Ready—Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy Career Pathways strategy to support students’ postsecondary attainment and success.
The department says this new wave of funding will support programs operating during the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years, ending on August 31, 2028. The number and size of awards will depend on qualified proposals received.
“Every young person in Seattle deserves a clear path to a career where they can thrive,” Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said in a statement. “By connecting students with training, mentorship, and hands-on experience, Path to Trades will help more young people turn their talents into family-sustaining careers while building the skilled workforce our city needs.”
The department says it is particularly focused on providing opportunities for students in marginalized communities and encourages organizations that serve underprivileged communities to apply to join the program.
“A career in the trades can change the course of a young person’s life, but getting started isn’t always easy,” said De’Vaughn Woods, a cement mason with Local 528. “Students need to know what opportunities are available, how to prepare, and where to find support. Programs like Path to Trades can provide that guidance and help young people see that there is a place for them in this industry.”
Proposals must be submitted through Submittable by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2026. Award notifications are scheduled for January 11, 2027.
RFP information sessions will be held on October 26 and November 4, 2026, to help prospective applicants understand the opportunity and apply through Submittable.
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