In an exciting collaboration, Bellevue Forward is thrilled to be the case study client for students from A.W. Beattie Career Center in this year’s SkillsUSA District 8 Competition. This partnership showcases the talent and potential of aspiring designers in our region while providing invaluable real-world experience through the SkillsUSA program. A.W. Beattie’s Advertising Design students, led by instructor Heather Brown, are preparing to put their skills to the test in January in what will be a unique, competitive event celebrating the best in advertising design and related fields. This competition aligns perfectly with Bellevue Forward’s mission to encourage community growth and support local talent, making it a fantastic opportunity to foster community engagement with the next generation of creatives.
SkillsUSA is a national program dedicated to nurturing skills across a wide range of technical and service fields, from welding and culinary arts to graphic and advertising design. Much like traditional sports, SkillsUSA offers students a chance to compete at the district level to demonstrate their talents and dedication to their chosen fields. A.W. Beattie’s students, focused on advertising design, photography, and branding through pin and t-shirt design, will showcase their work in a competitive setting that mirrors the challenges and demands of the professional world. Heather Brown, who leads A.W. Beattie’s advertising design program, notes that SkillsUSA serves as an “opportunity to identify the best in the field” while immersing students in meaningful, client-centered projects.
For this year’s event, Bellevue Forward has been chosen as the client organization, giving students the chance to develop campaigns or creative designs that highlight Bellevue’s ongoing community initiatives, such as the upcoming “Bellevue Music Festival.” By working with Bellevue Forward, students will gain firsthand experience in translating a client’s mission into visually engaging and impactful designs. This collaboration not only provides valuable experience for the students but also gives Bellevue Forward a fresh perspective on how to communicate its goals through creative visuals and messaging, ultimately strengthening the organization’s outreach.
The competition day, scheduled on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, will be held at a post-secondary institution, which provides a neutral “playing field” and creates a collegiate atmosphere that enhances the learning experience. The event includes multiple design-focused competitions, each giving students the chance to push their skills and creativity under real-world conditions. Bellevue Forward’s involvement allows students to align their designs with Bellevue’s mission, developing materials that reflect the community’s values and goals while getting a taste of the dynamic demands of professional work.
Heather Brown is particularly enthusiastic about the networking possibilities this collaboration offers. Not only will professionals serve as judges, but the event will also be an ideal platform for Bellevue Forward, A.W. Beattie, and other community-focused organizations to connect with these talented students. By participating as a client for SkillsUSA, Bellevue Forward hopes to inspire students to consider careers in fields that benefit local communities, while offering Bellevue itself the opportunity to engage with rising talent.
“The incredible potential of these students is inspiring, and the quality of work they’ve produced under Heather Brown’s instruction is truly impressive,” said RJ Thompson, Founding Chair of Bellevue Forward and graphic design professional. “Seeing such professionalism and creativity in young designers reaffirms my belief that they are on the path to very successful careers. Bellevue Forward is honored to be a part of their journey and excited to see how these students will shape the future of design. Abby’s winning work is truly impressive.”
This partnership between Bellevue Forward and A.W. Beattie Career Center is an excellent example of how community organizations and educational institutions can work together to support and celebrate emerging talent. By participating in SkillsUSA, students gain practical experience that prepares them for successful careers, and Bellevue Forward gains fresh, innovative ideas from a group of dedicated young designers. We look forward to seeing the results of this collaboration and celebrating the achievements of A.W. Beattie’s talented students!