Construction Youth Summit
The Construction Youth Summit is a dynamic event bringing together high school students from across Kittitas Countyand Central Washington University to explore the future of construction in our region. Held annually each fall in Ellensburg, this summit connects students with contractors, trade professionals, and industry leaders through hands-on learning experiences. With interactive demonstrations, career-focused discussions, and networking opportunities, the event aims to inspire the next generation of construction professionals while highlighting the essential role the industry plays in building and sustaining our community.
October 7, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Ellensburg, WA
What is a Construction Youth Summit?
Discover real-world careers that build Kittitas County’s communities and infrastructure. The Construction Youth Summit connects high school juniors and seniors from across Kittitas County and Central Washington University students with contractors, tradespeople, and industry leaders for a hands-on morning of learning, demos, and networking.
What to Expect
Interactive Skill Stations & Demos: Heavy equipment operation, carpentry, welding, electrical, plumbing, concrete work, surveying, and emerging construction technologies.
Career Pathway Panels: Hear from contractors, engineers, architects, project managers, union representatives, and skilled trades professionals.
Workforce Readiness: Learn about apprenticeships, internships, and seasonal job opportunities; get résumé tips and advice on how to stand out when applying.
Who Should Attend
- Kittitas County high school juniors and seniors exploring construction, trades, engineering, business, or technology.
- CWU students in construction management, engineering, architecture, business/supply chain, IT/data, safety, or environmental design programs.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify multiple career paths in construction (skilled trades, engineering, project management, design, safety, supply chain).
- Understand local education and training routes (CTE, pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, certificates, CWU programs).
- Make direct connections with contractors and employers for internships, job shadows, and career opportunities.
- Experience hands-on skills that are vital to building and sustaining Kittitas County’s communities.
2025 Field Trip Location
WinCo Foods is a privately held, employee-owned supermarket chain with over 140 stores and more than 20,000 employees across the western United States. Known as “The Supermarket Low Price Leader®”, WinCo is recognized for its low-cost, warehouse-style shopping model, bulk foods section, and customer self-bagging, which help keep prices down. A WinCo Foods Distribution Center is being constructed west of Anderson Road. The proposed project includes construction of a 655,501-square foot grocery and cold storage building, a 42,390-square foot truck return center building, a 1,231-square foot fire pump house building, a 325-square foot driver check-in building, and an 800-square foot driver’s waiting building. The project also includes construction of required parking and landscaping. The project has received all necessary permits for construction. The site work (grading, clearing, etc.) was originally approved under a site development permit, but Community Development issued building permits for all five of the proposed buildings on May 19, 2025.
2025 Speaker Panel
- Marc Kirkpatrick, Owner, Encompass Engineering & Surveying
- Dan Carlson, Community Development Director, City of Ellensburg
- Jeff Schafer, Owner, Merle Inc.
- Delano Palmer, Capital Planning & Projects Director, CWU
- Julia Laing, Staff Engineer, Century West Engineering
- Jack Laing, Owner & Lead Carpenter, Elk Heights Carpentry
2025 Lunch Speakers
- David Chamberlin, The Chamberlin Team at Coldwell Banker Central
- Celina Sanchez, Associated General Contractors of Washington
- Sarah Patterson, Associated General Contractors of Washington
Lunch Catered By The Ridge Restaurant
Established in 2023, The Ridge offers an elevated dining experience featuring a fusion of Latin, Mediterranean, and American cuisine, with influences from Eurasian flavors. Known for its creative dishes and global inspiration, the restaurant provides a modern yet approachable atmosphere for guests. Alongside its food menu, The Ridge is recognized for specialty cocktails, timeless classics, and one of Central Washington’s most extensive whiskey collections. Owned by Mario & Jeremy, The Ridge also serves as a community space with event hosting options and reservations available for large parties. With its combination of bold flavors, handcrafted libations, and stylish ambiance, The Ridge has quickly become a destination for both locals and visitors seeking an upscale but inviting dining experience in downtown Ellensburg.
Sponsorships
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please connect with Director of Chamber Outreach and Economic Advancement, Katie Schepker at katie@kittitascountychamber.com.
Photos from 2025 Construction Youth Summit by Rick May Photos