Community Development-Education

Despite some of the perceived limitations that students in rural areas may be labeled with, the reality is that there is only a small percentage that are on a severe collision path with a worrisome future. Boundless opportunities are available to have a direct impact on individual students or large groups involved in academics, athletics, and activities.  Here are some examples of where the Chamber is already proud to be involved.  Questions on this or other opportunities?  Click Here to Contact the Chamber 

New for the 2025-26 school year, is the PEAK program bringing resources from business leader expertise and time commitments at elementary, middle or senior high school campuses, along with direct fiscal support.  As the "Founding Partner" to the District, the Chamber is striving to encourage others to assist in developing future business leaders and employees. Post graduation options include college, trade school, military, joining the workforce, pursuing professional or technical opportunities  or even running for office.  The opportunities and results are endless!  

Amazing “Warrior” Shake has become a “way of life” at WJH, which started as a 1-day soft skills competition that was taken from the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA and has grown to multiple days set with activities/competitions throughout the year. Premise is to teach "basic soft skills" weekly in homeroom known as "Warrior Time class". Other mock practice sessions throughout the fall provides direct feedback to students. Before winter break, all 600+ JH students complete the Mini-Gauntlet (in English or Spanish), direct interactions with feedback at three different stations. During the first week of February, the top 125 JH students compete in the Gauntlet, comprised of 20 unique stations, where students know one half of the challenges, but the other ten are a complete surprise, both receiving direct interaction with community members to receive scores.  The top, 25 JH students are then selected to compete in the “Warrior” Shake Finals the following week, which then finishes off selecting the top 10 finalists to compete at the national competition.  The Chamber has been involved with judging at all levels, and has contributed to and helped with fundraising resources for the cross-country trip since 2023.  NOTE: Other area Districts such as Royal, Othello and Waitsburg compete with Wahluke.  

WSD offers pathways in Agriculture, Business and Marketing, Family and Consumer Science, Health Sciences, STEM, and Trade and Industry (Skilled and Technical Sciences) in the classroom, as well as with events and activities to assist students close to graduation to expand their knowledge and interest direct, with adults outside the classroom. Business, industry, government, military, first responders are just an example of personnel, displays, and direct conversations that occur with professionals from unique fields of interest. The Chamber works to assist CTE administration in the planning and execution of on-site/in building opportunities, outdoor, in-person and virtual demonstrations, as well as in-classroom speakers.   

Mission: promote a healthier, drug, alcohol-free and vape-free community for our youth through education, advocacy, and prevention strategies.

Vision: Safe/healthy community where young people are equipped for a bright/successful future.

Goals: Built around the Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI) framework and include empowerment, awareness, and prevention education. 

Meetings: Monthly discussions by representatives of the twelve community stakeholder groups,  District staff, and other stakeholder groups. 

Events: In District activities with students and families, along with staff are held often.  Outside of the District, local groups assist WCC with the annual Desert Aire Easter Egg Hunt and a spring Kite Flying event.  Ideas are always welcome!  Click Here to learn more

Started in 2023 with the desire and energy of one community member as a "Pay it Forward" activity, the event brings together local citizens, parents and business to provide a FREE shopping experience for high school students attending the annual formal dances, such as homecoming or prom.  Through donations from around the community, state, and even nationally, an inventory of formal wear and accessories are displayed for choosing dresses, shoes, purses and jewelry, at no charge.  Refreshments are also offered.  Students come individually or with friends to "shop local" for find the perfect outfit.   Participants are encouraged to return the items as a "give back" gesture to next year's shoppers.  

In addition, the Chamber attends numerous events in support of students, teachers and administration who work collaboratively to assist future employees or business owners in the making, either in the local community or beyond.