Washington State University Tri-Cities is proud to announce that its mechanical engineering program has earned the Career Launch Endorsement from Career Connect Washington (CCW).

The endorsement highlights the program’s integration of hands-on, career-connected learning, including paid, supervised internships that are embedded into the degree pathway. The endorsement affirms the program’s dedication to preparing students for real-world success in mechanical engineering and positions it as a model for workforce-aligned education.

“This recognition celebrates the clear and purposeful pathway we’ve built for our students,” said Dr. Changki Mo, director of the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, and Messiha Todary Saad, professor of mechanical engineering in a joint statement. “We’re incredibly proud to receive this official endorsement.”

The Career Launch Endorsement process evaluates programs based on three primary criteria:

• Strong industry partnerships
• A student-centered, career-integrated curriculum
• Paid, work-based learning as a core degree component

WSU Tri-Cities’ mechanical engineering program met and exceeded all benchmarks, ensuring that students graduate job-ready with both academic knowledge and professional experience.

“Career Connect Washington plays an important role in bridging the gap between education and industry,” said Chancellor Sandra Haynes.  Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Kate McAteer said, “This partnership with CCW allows us to deliver education that directly serves students, industry, and the regional economy.”

In addition to statewide recognition, the endorsement will increase the program’s visibility in CCW’s online directory and open future grant opportunities to further enhance student success and program development.

Key Industry Partners

The endorsement was made possible in part through partnerships with employers who provide mentorship and internship opportunities, including:

• Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) – Evangelina Galvan Shreeve, director of STEM education and workforce development
• Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C) – Karthik Subramanian, chief engineer
• Central Plateau Cleanup Company (CPCCo) – Jonathan Bricker, chief engineer and director of engineering and nuclear safety

Looking Ahead

The mechanical engineering program plans to expand student recruitment, deepen industry collaborations with regional industry and increase individualized student support to help students from all backgrounds thrive in engineering careers locally, nationally and globally.

More information about mechanical engineering at WSU Tri-Cities can be found here.

Donate to the mechanical engineering program.