Washington State University’s V&E Program Honored

Congratulations to Washington State University’s Department of Viticulture and Enology.  Last week, WSU announced the V&E program had 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,” noted 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 Focus Of The V&E Program Is Preparing Students For Their Future Careers

“The degree integrates career preparation into all aspects of its curriculum, from the first intro class to the internships to the final capstone project,” said Kate McAteer Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at WSU Tri-Cities. “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.”

“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.”

“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.”

Phase 1 Is Just The Beginning

To continue the department’s forward momentum, Dodson Peterson said she 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.

“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.” 

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