Foundation For Vancouver Public Schools Hosts Ribbon Cutting For New Manufacturing Trades Building At Fort Vancouver High School (Photo) - 08/07/26

VANCOUVER, Wash. — On Friday, August 14, community members, students, and Vancouver Public Schools Leadership will celebrate the opening of the Ed Lynch Trades Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Fort Vancouver High School.
 

Date: August 14, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th Vancouver, WA 98661
 

The 8842-sq-ft facility will give high school students from throughout the district the opportunity to gain hands-on training in welding, advanced manufacturing, fabrication, precision machining, and emerging manufacturing technologies.
 

The new building features 16 professional welding booths, metal cutting processes, precision lathes, 3D printers, and industry-standard equipment designed to prepare students for high-demand careers.

Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, two advanced manufacturing cohorts will rotate daily, following a hands-on design-to-production learning model. Students will be guided through every stage of the manufacturing process—from concept and design to fabrication and the finished product.  Students will also receive career development opportunities including guest speakers, on-site job training, recruitment events, and paid internships. 

This new building was made possible by the Ed & Dollie Lynch Fund, in-kind contributions from Jon Girod and Dennis Wubben, and the partnership of local contractors. No tax payer dollars were used and the process was facilitated through the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools. 

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The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools is an independent, 501(c)3 educational non-profit corporation established in 1988 to support Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). Governed by a volunteer board of directors made up of business, community, and education leaders, the foundation creates opportunities to cultivate and inspire student success. As an educational non-profit entity, the foundation serves students at all 40 VPS schools and programs, providing direct aid to students facing learning barriers due to economic need, as well as financial assistance for learning enrichment and mentoring programs that cannot be funded by the school district. The Foundation for VPS is supported by donations from school employees, parents, students, community members, businesses and foundations.