Green Job Pathways

Meeting the Demand for Technical Skills in Ag and Natural Resources

For the first time since 2000, computer science enrollment is dropping at universities across the United States as AI continues to expand into sectors previously operated by humans. Despite this trend, one tech field is projected to grow by 10% through 2032: Geographic Information Systems, or GIS. Employment for graduates with GIS degrees has grown 15% in the last five years, reflecting its widespread use across diverse industries. 
 
Soon, Washington State students will be able to earn GIS Career and Technical Education (CTE) credits through new PEI introductory and advanced courses. “In all of our previous work, we have heard repeatedly from employers that GIS is a skill needed in Ag and Natural Resources,” says Heather Spalding, PEI’s Associate Director of Green Jobs. “GIS crosses multiple sectors, and will allow students to tell a story about information they’re gathering, whether that’s a solution they want to see or a management issue. It’s an entry-level skill that can be built upon to develop a well-rounded career portfolio that meets employer needs in ag and natural resources as well as all other industry sectors.” 


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Education Research

The Case for Outdoor Learning in an Age of Digital Overload 

Technology in schools, aka digital learning, has increased an astounding 900% since 2000. A 2025 national New York Times survey found that 99% of teachers said their school provided devices to students for use in class, and another eight in ten teachers reported that students at their school had a device assigned to them. The same survey estimated that 40% of middle and high school students spend more than three hours per school day staring at screens during classroom instruction. 

With so much technology on hand, learning should be easier than ever. But is it? 

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Tools & Tips for Teachers

Hands-On Ideas for Science Fairs

For those of you who have students working on a science fair project, or doing one project together as a whole class, check out some of Project Learning Tree (PLT)’s hands-on activities for new project ideas. Plus, it’ll ensure you don’t end up with a fair with only homemade volcanoes! 

Depending on whether students are required to test a hypothesis (usually in older grades) or you’re simply looking to showcase what students have learned about a topic, PLT’s Explore Your Environment: K-8 Activity Guide / Explora tu Ambiente: Guía de Actividades K-8 has a wide range of activities that incorporate STEM skills and experimentation. Check out these activities, along with minor modifications from those who have used them. 
 
Source: Project Learning Tree

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