Next Generation Zone
Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce
Founded in 2007, the Next Generation Zone is the Spokane area’s only career center for young adults, staffed and administered by a partnership of agencies. This innovative, nationally-recognized model program provides education, career skills training, and community and employment resources to young adults between the ages of 16 and 24.
As a WorkSource affiliate site, Next Generation Zone is a partner of the American Job Center Network.



What We Do
Education
- HSE (High School Equivalency)
- Assessments & testing
- Tutoring & test preparation
Training
- Job shadows
- Internships
- Financial literacy training
- Post-secondary career training & education
Career
- 21st century skills academy
- Career assessments coaching
- Career skills workshops
Featured Event
Next Gen Job Fair
We introduced the Next Gen Job Fair in 2016 as an event focused on helping teens and young adults connect with employers for their first job. The Next Generation Zone, our youth career and education center, takes the lead on this event.
Featured Investment
Passport to Career Success
The SWC developed the online passport to success tool in order to better serve Spokane’s young adults. This tool helps young people assess their skills and interests, research careers and make a career plan, including education or training, applying for jobs, and interviewing. This tool has been used in Next Gen Zone’s 21st Century Skills Academy and has been adopted by several career counselors at local high schools. As of early 2019, over 1,500 accounts had been created.
FEATURED INVESTMENT
Skilled Trades Academy
As Part of Career Connect WA, the Skilled Trades Academy will give 30 participants the chance to immerse themselves in the exciting world of skilled trades. High school credit and a weekly stipend will be extended to participants. This three-week program will offer safety instruction, industry tours and speakers, certification training in Forklift and Flagging, a graduation celebration and more!