After years of collaboration with business partners, community members, school leaders, and legislators, the Whatcom County Skills Center (WCSC) is becoming a reality. Construction begins soon on the northwest side of Meridian High School, marking the first phase of this multi-year project.
Skills centers offer high school juniors and seniors college credit, industry-recognized credentials, and hands-on training. Approved by OSPI in fall 2023, the new WCSC will bring approximately 15 career and technical education (CTE) programs to Whatcom County. Attending a skills center is free for students as part of K-12 funding.
Whatcom Early Learning Center
Funded by federal and state dollars, grants, and donations—not local taxes—the $12 million Whatcom Early Learning Center (WELC) will house the WCSC’s early childhood education classrooms.
Since the new WELC will be constructed where the current District Office building is located, staff will need to relocate. A prefabricated modular building will be constructed on the northwest side of the Meridian High School parking lot and will include 11 office spaces and four classrooms. These classrooms will host two existing programs in February 2026 and will later support expanded offerings as the Whatcom County Skills Center develops. District Office staff will move to the new building in spring 2026.
The current District Office building, a farmhouse constructed in the 1890s, will be put up for auction. Construction will begin on the WELC in fall 2026. This new center meets a critical need in our area by providing child care for 80 to 120 children ages birth to five years old, and will also offer early childhood education courses as part of the new WCSC.
Superintendent Dr. James Everett shared his excitement for the new early learning center.
“Whatcom County has been an early learning and child care desert for quite some time. We are excited to be part of the solution with the Whatcom Early Learning Center while expanding the workforce pipeline and contributing to economic development in Whatcom County,” Dr. Everett said.
The WELC will have six rooms for children infant to age five, and office spaces for behavior and mental health professionals. The center will also have space for conference rooms and classrooms. With extended hours, this center could provide space for community adult education classes. Construction is anticipated to be complete by fall 2027.
Whatcom County Skills Center
Construction for a new Whatcom County Skills Center (WCSC) north of Meridian High School (MHS) is reliant on the legislature and anticipated to begin in 2028 or later. This skills center is funded by state and federal dollars, and no local tax dollars.
In anticipation of the new skills center, MHS—which serves as the Whatcom satellite campus for Skagit County’s Northwest Career & Technical Academy—has expanded course offerings this year to include an additional fire science class and a new Allied Health course. The MHS satellite campus continues to offer welding and Open Doors.
When the Whatcom County Skills Center opens, expanded course offerings will be beyond what is currently provided by the Northwest Career & Technical Academy located in Mount Vernon.
“The Whatcom County Skills Center is designed to provide exceptional high-quality, industry-aligned courses where work-based learning opportunities such as guest speakers, job shadows, internships and apprenticeships, provide practical exposure to several industries,” Dr. Everett explained. “Our students across the region will be able to pursue programs that are hands-on, industry standards, and provide college credit and lead to certifications and licensure. We want students to leave their K-12 education journey prepared to thrive in the next chapter beyond high school!”