Hermiston High students explore tech careers
By Terry Murry on Thursday, February 12th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
BOARDMAN – A collaboration among Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC), the Hermiston School District, and Amazon sent 32 Hermiston High School (HHS) students on a journey to explore technology career pathways at the BMCC Training Center in Boardman.
The students had hands-on experience in three rotating lab sections. They were mock interviews with Amazon Web Services (AWS) professionals, electrical systems training with circuit-building exercises, and data center technician work including server hardware operations.
The field trip lasted three and a half hours and was designed to show students there are growing opportunities in technical fields within their own community. Several of the AWS team members present are graduates of HHS.
“With the world becoming increasingly digital, STEM-based education is more important than ever,” AWS Community Engagement Manager Benjamin Harvey said. “This immersive experience helps showcase the types of STEM careers available, but also gives students interviewing and communication skills that are critical in being successful anywhere.”
HSD Director of Secondary Instruction Scott Depew agreed it was a valuable experience.
“Opportunities like this give Hermiston High School students, many of whom already have the aptitude and passion for this work, real exposure to high-demand careers and hands-on training beyond the classroom,” he said.
“Blue Mountain Community College is proud to partner with Amazon to connect Hermiston High School students to pathways in our data center technology and industrial systems technology programs,” Dean of Career Technical Education Tammy Short said. “Through hands on learning, students will gain real-word skills and a clearer understanding of the opportunities available across our regions growing tech and industrial sectors.”
Photo provided by Amazon Web Services
