Businesses and Schools: Building the Future, Together

District 20 Representative Peter Abbarno

By Peter Abbarno
For the C-C Chamber of Commerce

Attend school events, or speak with local students,
I’m reminded of something simple but powerful—our young people are the future. They are the future employees who will join our companies, the entrepreneurs who will open new storefronts downtown, and the leaders who will guide our communities forward.

And here’s the good news: as local business owners, we have the power to shape that future right now.

Parents and our schools work tirelessly to educate, train, and prepare students for the future, but they can’t do it alone. The most successful school districts have strong partnerships with their local business community—partnerships that bring real-world experience, resources, and mentorship into the classroom.

These connections don’t just improve education; they strengthen the local economy and the entire community.

Sponsoring Youth Sports

Youth sports are about so much more than the scoreboard. They teach discipline, teamwork, goal-setting, and resilience—the same skills we value in our employees.

But the reality is, sports cost money. Equipment, uniforms, travel, and league fees can be a barrier for some families. That’s where local businesses can step up.

When your business sponsors a youth team, you’re not just putting your logo on a jersey—you’re investing in a child’s confidence, growth, and opportunity. You’re sending the message: We believe in you, and we’re here to cheer you on.

Supporting Career & Technical Education

Across Washington, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are opening doors for students who want to enter the workforce with real, marketable skills. Welding, health sciences, culinary arts, computer programming, construction—these classes prepare students for high-demand jobs that pay well and strengthen our economy.

But these programs need resources. They need up-to-date tools, real-world equipment, and connections to industry.

Local businesses can help by donating materials, offering internships, hosting field trips, or working directly with educators to design programs that align with current workforce needs.

This year, I supported House Bill 1777, a House Republican bill that would make more apprenticeship programs available by expediting state approval of the programs that are already approved by the Federal Government.

The proposal from Rep. Suzanne Schmidt (R-Spokane Valley) had a public hearing and I am hopeful to help advance the bill again in 2026.

Think about it—students graduate not just with a diploma, but with hands-on experience that makes them job-ready on day one. That’s a win for students, for schools, and for employers.

Creating Mentorship Opportunities

One of the most valuable gifts we can give a young person is our time.

Mentorship doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s sharing your professional story, offering career advice, or simply being a sounding board for a student who’s figuring out their future.

A single conversation with a mentor can spark a dream, help a student choose a career path, or give them the confidence to take a leap.

And it’s not just the student who benefits—mentorship strengthens our community by building relationships across generations and industries.

Why This Matters for Businesses

Let’s be honest—this isn’t just about “doing good.” It’s about building the workforce of tomorrow. The students in our classrooms today will be the employees, customers, and business partners of tomorrow.

By investing in their growth now, we ensure our businesses have the talent, innovation, and leadership we need in the future.

In the 2025 legislative session, I also strongly supported House Bill 1285 from Skyler Rude (R-Walla Walla) making financial education instruction a graduation requirement in schools.

Financial literacy is essential for our students to be successful following graduation.

A community with strong schools attracts families. Families drive the local economy. A thriving local economy benefits every business. It’s all connected.

Leading by Example

As business leaders, we set the tone.

When we engage with schools—whether by sponsoring a soccer team, funding a CTE program, or mentoring a student—we show our employees, customers, and neighbors that we are committed to more than the bottom line.

We are committed to our future.

So, let’s get creative. Let’s ask ourselves, “What can my business do to support our schools?”

Then let’s make it happen. Our investment today will pay dividends for decades—in stronger schools, stronger businesses, and stronger communities.

Because when we invest in students, we invest in ourselves.

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Rep. Peter Abbarno represents the 20th Legislative District and is the House Republican Caucus Chair.