Washington State University’s Department of Viticulture and Enology (V&E) has been formally recognized for its dedication to providing comprehensive, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for wine industry careers.

The department was recently named a Career Launch program by Career Connect Washington, which partners with schools and employers to provide job experience opportunities for students and young workers. The endorsement means V&E can advertise through Career Connect Washington’s online directory, increasing visibility for the department and its offerings. It also allows V&E to apply for future grant funding from the organization.

“We’re incredibly proud to receive this official endorsement,” said Jean Dodson Peterson, chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology. “This has been one of the most meaningful initiatives I’ve led since joining WSU. We’ve built a clear, purposeful roadmap for our students — and this endorsement allows us to celebrate and support their individual aspirations in a powerful way.”

To meet Career Launch criteria, the V&E department demonstrated its industry support and provided evidence of a permanent, student-focused pathway that includes updated curriculum and internship requirements, the VE Connects initiative, and transfer partnerships with community colleges.

“They were able to demonstrate how all students had the opportunity to participate in paid, supervised, work-based learning that aligned to curriculum within the degree pathway,” said Genevieve Howard, leader of the Career Launch endorsement process and committee, and Workforce Education policy associate. “It was a solid example of how career-connected learning could benefit students, industry partners, and educational partners.”

The path to endorsement began several years ago, when Kate McAteer, Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at WSU Tri-Cities, first learned about Career Launch. Immediately, the V&E degree came to mind as a possible candidate.

“The degree integrates career preparation into all aspects of its curriculum, from the first intro class to the internships to the final capstone project,” McAteer said. “Even the extracurricular activities for students are designed to build their industry awareness and prepare them for future careers. Being a career-ready graduate opens up opportunities for them not only in the Washington wine industry but all over the globe.”

Thanks to McAteer’s work, V&E landed a Career Connect Washington Phase 1 grant, which it has used to support the VE Connects experiential learning initiative as well as internship opportunities and other real-life work experiences for students. Those components made the department eligible to eventually apply for the Career Launch endorsement.

“Kate’s early leadership laid the foundation for this endorsement,” Dodson Peterson said. “The work was already in motion when I was interviewing for the department chair position, and I remember being both excited and deeply impressed. It’s rare to find programs that offer students such a clear and intentional pathway — from high school through higher education and into industry.”

After joining WSU, Dodson Peterson officially took the reins, helping launch the Experiential Learning Fund as a continuation of financial support for V&E.

“The Career Connect Washington funding allowed us to dream big the moment we started,” Dodson Peterson said. “We were able to create long-term, sustaining activities and lay the foundation for our transition from program to department. Sometimes making an impact takes a spark, and that spark is often funding. It truly came at the right time.”

To continue the department’s forward momentum, Dodson Peterson plans to apply for another Career Connect Washington grant. The funds would go toward hiring a student retention advisor, bolstering industry engagement opportunities, and hosting a student internship and career fair.

She emphasizes that investing in the student experience and supporting retention is especially important on the WSU Tri-Cities campus, home to many nontraditional students.

“We’re looking to expand our targeted recruitment and advising efforts,” Dodson Peterson said. “To truly serve a diverse student population, V&E needs the resources to provide structured, individualized support. This kind of funding opens the door to meeting students where they are — and I’m excited to see the impact it could have on their success.”

While eagerly looking ahead to an exciting future for V&E, Dodson Peterson is still in awe of how much Career Connect Washington has already impacted the department.

“It’s incredible to think how much we’ve accomplished in just a few short years,” she said. “Career Connect Washington has been truly transformative — not just for our students, but for our entire team. It’s allowed us to expand what we offer in meaningful ways and positioned us to keep building on that momentum. This kind of program and funding can be a game-changer.”

How you can help:

Support WSU V&E students by donating to the Viticulture & Enology Experiential Learning Fund.

About CAHNRS:

The land-grant mission of WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences is made possible through the U.S. Hatch Act of 1887 and the U.S. Smith-Lever Act of 1914. Respectively, these Acts fund experiment stations and cooperative Extension efforts that aid Northwest growers, provide nutrition and health education, support rural businesses, enhance our environment, and much more. Hatch and Smith-Lever capacity funds drive our work for a more resilient, prosperous, and sustainable Washington and are matched by state and local funds.