Boeing honored as 2026 Partner of the Year by Washington State Association of College Trustees

The Washington State Association of College Trustees (ACT) honored The Boeing Company as the recipient of the 2026 Partner of the Year Award, according to an Edmonds College press release.

Nominated by the Edmonds College Board of Trustees, ACT celebrated Boeing during a ceremony on May 7 for its transformative impact on students and the aerospace workforce.

“We are honored to receive the 2026 Partner of the Year Award,” said Gina Breukelman, Senior Manager for Boeing Global Engagement. “This recognition reflects the strength of our longstanding partnership with Edmonds College and the broader community and technical college system across Washington.”

“Together, we are building a skilled workforce that drives innovation and economic growth in aerospace and beyond. Boeing remains deeply committed to investing in education, training and opportunities that prepare students for meaningful careers and help sustain the vitality of our region for generations to come,” Breukelman said.

This award recognizes Boeing’s dedication to the community and technical college mission through the donation of time, expertise and resources, according to the press release. It highlights a two-decade partnership between Boeing and Edmonds College that serves as a “gold standard” for industry-college collaboration.

“Boeing has been vital in building our local workforce,” said Edmonds College President Dr. Amit B. Singh.

“Our partnership with them has helped turn our Washington Aerospace Training & Research (WATR) Center into a high-tech environment that mirrors a real factory and adapts to technological advancements. This training model ensures our graduates are ready to help drive the industry forward the moment they enter the aerospace industry sector.“

A centerpiece of the collaboration between the college and Boeing is the 2024 donation of a Boeing 767 freighter aft section to the WATR Center. Known as the “Gray Ghost,” this fuselage provides students with unique “on-aircraft” training capabilities. These high-fidelity simulations allow learners to master robotics, mechatronics, and automated systems in an environment that mirrors a modern smart manufacturing floor.

• Boeing’s commitment to Edmonds College includes significant financial and professional support:
• Strategic Workforce Investment: Since 2021, Boeing has invested over $2.8 million in workforce development through programs like the Learning Together Program and the Boeing-IAM partnership.
• Curriculum co-design: Since 2009, Boeing subject matter experts have worked alongside college faculty to ensure certifications in composites, assembly and quality assurance align with modern industry practices.
• Career pathways: The 12-week Boeing Pre-Employment Training (BPET) program offers a “no-interview” pathway directly into high-wage aerospace roles for successful graduates.
• Professional mentorship: Boeing staff regularly engage with students through technical mock interviews, industry-specific resume reviews and guest lectures on Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Eliminating financial barriers: Boeing provides targeted scholarships and essential personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure a student’s economic background does not dictate their career potential.

Dr. Courtney Wooten, Chair of the Edmonds College Board of Trustees, noted that Boeing’s leadership reinforces the vital role community and technical colleges play in Washington’s economic health. “Boeing’s readiness to co-design and pilot innovative practices reflects a true partnership,” she said. “They do not merely recruit our graduates; they invest in the learning systems that educate and prepare them.”

The ACT Partner of the Year Award is presented annually by the Washington State Association of College Trustees to recognize a business or organization for its outstanding support of the community and technical college mission.