Summer Credential Programs

ANEW's Youth Exploration Program partners with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to provide hands-on technical training in the construction trades to students ages 16-18 with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), 504 Plan, or any other documented concerns.

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Geared toward aspiring automotive technicians, the program provides a comprehensive foundation in vehicle inspection, diagnostics, and routine service procedures essential for maintaining modern vehicles. Through hands-on shop activities and real-world repair scenarios, students develop problem-solving skills and a strong understanding of vehicle systems. It also prepares student for the ASE Maintenance and Light Repair (G1) certification exam.

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Dive into the exciting world of underwater robotics with this Underwater ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) Course. This hands-on program teaches students how to design, build, and operate underwater robotic systems used for exploration, research, and industry applications. 

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This program provides an overview of careers pathways and certification programs offered through Tacoma Public Schools. The program includes earning entry-level certifications, tours of local businesses, discussions centering around career choices, and visiting other Summer Certification Programs.

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The Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification Program, sponsored by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve as frontline public health professionals. This program prepares participants to connect communities with healthcare resources, promote wellness, and address social determinants of health. The content is provided online through Moorhouse School of Medicine and in-person opportunities are provided by Tacoma Public Schools to connect students to career opportunities, practice skills learned online and extend their on-line learning.

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This comprehensive ServSafe Certification Course is designed for food service professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge of food safety and sanitation. The course covers essential food safety.

The course includes a final proctored exam. Successful completion of the exam results in an official ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, accredited by the National Restaurant Association.

This culinary program offers students an opportunity to develop their cooking skills by designing their own meals that are both nutritious and visually appealing. 

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This interdisciplinary summer course combines entrepreneurship and digital illustration, equipping students with design thinking, AI integration, and business strategy skills. Participants will develop high-quality digital illustrations using professional tools, apply the design thinking process to create market-ready products, and refine their concepts for a Shark Tank-style pitch competition. By blending creativity with entrepreneurial problem-solving, students will gain hands-on experience in product design, branding, and commercialization.

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The Electrical Interim Credential Program provides an opportunity to gain theoretical and hands-on experience working with electricity and begin developing the skills necessary for a career as an electrician.

This hybrid course introduces students to the National Electrical Code (NEC), proper safety procedures, DC theory, blueprint reading, and basic circuit design. Upon successful completion, if you join the Electrical Union as an apprentice, your first year of Related Supplemental Instruction can be waived.

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This interdisciplinary summer course combines entrepreneurship and digital illustration, equipping students with design thinking, AI integration, and business strategy skills. Participants will develop high-quality digital illustrations using professional tools, apply the design thinking process to create market-ready products, and refine their concepts for a Shark Tank-style pitch competition. By blending creativity with entrepreneurial problem-solving, students will gain hands-on experience in product design, branding, and commercialization.

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The Environmental Services Program is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the City of Tacoma's environmental scientists and develop skills necessary for a career in environmental sciences. The Certified Erosion & Soil Control Lead (CESCL) certification trains students in erosion and sediment control that safeguard natural habitats. In addition, participants will be offered a few days of training related to water plant operations.

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Sponsored by Gensco, this specialized Forklift Certification Training Program is designed exclusively for 18-year-old students looking to gain essential skills for warehouse and industrial operations.

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The GAF Roofing Academy is designed to help students build the necessary skills for entry-level positions. The program combines classroom and on-the-roof training with access to job opportunities from GAF’s national network of thousands of independent, certified contractors seeking talent. Safeguarding, maintaining, and repairing properties—ranging from homes to stadiums—is crucial for long-term sustainability in any building project.

Open only to graduating seniors.

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Home Care Aides provide assistance with daily activities, and companionship to individuals in their own homes and in long-term care facilities such as adult family homes, or in assisted living facilities.

A Home Care Aide will work with care teams made up of case managers, nurses and other healthcare professionals. Their duties may include assisting with personal grooming needs, providing transportation, and helping maintain the cleanliness of the home or facility with the resident's safety in mind.  

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Through the Merchant Mariner summer program students gain hands-on experience and begin developing the skills necessary for a career working on freighters, oil tankers, tugs, ferries, cruise ships, and fishing boats. The program prepares students for a career with a livable wage in the international realm of transporting goods across the globe. With the Merchant Marine credential earned through this program, numerous employment opportunities become available, including: tug boats, the Washington State ferry system, the Seafarers International Union (deep water ships) and fishing boats in Alaska.

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The High School Introduction to Plumbers and Pipefitters program (HIPP) offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and begin developing the skills needed to pursue a career in the pipe-trades field.

Students will attain industry-recognized certifications through preparatory training for in-demand, high-wage careers. They will learn welding, soldering, brazing, rigging, tube bending and more through hands-on activities and projects to prepare them for interviews with Local 26-SWWPT.

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This immersive, hands-on construction program provides students with the opportunity to learn essential building skills by constructing a functional structure, such as a shed. Designed for beginners and those looking to expand their knowledge of residential construction, the program covers the fundamental aspects of building, including framing, roofing, siding, plumbing, electrical work, and safety protocols.

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Unmanned vehicle operations includes photographing real estate, conducting building inspections, surveying land worldwide, engaging in military applications, filming movies, fertilizing crops, or providing support for search and rescue missions. 

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The veterinary scribe certificate program is a hybrid course that introduces students to basic anatomy and medical terminology associated with physical exams, diagnostics, and pharmacology. In addition, students learn how to navigate a medical record, including documenting and charting the veterinary visit and associated regulations. This certificate is recommended for individuals interested in starting a career in the medical or veterinary field. 

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The Veterinary: Preventative Health is a hybrid course designed to enhance the knowledge of any student interested in a client-facing role in the veterinary industry. Students learn anatomy, physiology, and parasitology. This course can be a good fit for students seeking a career in the veterinary field, including a veterinarian, veterinarian tech, veterinarian assistant, or those hoping to work in a clinic.

This is not an introductory class, students should have completed a medical class and have background knowledge of medical terminology (for example, veterinary at Lincoln or HCA class at Mt. Tahoma/Stadium)  

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The Wildland Fire Certification prepares high school students for a career pathway in the wildland fire suppression industry as Type 2 Wildland Firefighters. 

The program consists of four basic firefighter courses required by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) and provides training and information required by NWCG for agencies subscribing to the National Interagency Management System (NIMS).

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