#TheDayWithTrae - Jesse Johnson, M.Ed, a former Washington State Representative and dedicated community organizer and educator, is making significant strides in guiding young people toward valuable career paths. Johnson's pre-apprenticeship program focuses on bridging the gap between high school and the trades, which offers juniors and seniors direct access to opportunities in fields like electrical work, plumbing, and general contracting. He envisions this initiative as a "running start for the trades," equipping students with job site experience, classroom learning, networking opportunities, and mentorship, ultimately leading to livable wage jobs. Johnson's passion for this work is deeply rooted in his family's history. His father, a painter and general contractor, learned the trade from his own father, emphasizing the legacy of building the country with one's hands. Recognizing that trades have been somewhat neglected in recent years, Johnson aims to revive this pathway, offering an alternative to the traditional "college or military" route. He himself served as an apprentice during college, gaining valuable skills that he still uses today, and he believes in providing similar opportunities for current students. Representation is a key aspect of Johnson's program. He acknowledges the challenges that young people from diverse backgrounds may face on job sites, including discrimination, and emphasizes the importance of mentorship from individuals who share similar experiences. Johnson creates a safe and supportive environment by bringing back alumni apprentices to teach and guide current students. He also works to dismantle the stigma surrounding trades, showcasing the lucrative potential of these careers, with examples of graduates earning $37 an hour right out of high school. Johnson's efforts extend beyond Federal Way High School. He organizes STEAM events to showcase the program's work, partners with Habitat for Humanity to build tiny homes on campus, and is creating a documentary to serve as a blueprint for other school districts. He encourages community members in the trades to become mentors and parents to consider these opportunities for their children. With a clear vision and a commitment to empowering the next generation, Jesse Johnson is making a tangible difference in the lives of young people and the future of skilled trades. @

Check out the hands-on work of @federalwayhigh CTE scholars! They presented projects to FWPS Supt Dr Pfeiffer, former Seahawk Doug Baldwin and former St. rep. @RepJesseJohnson. We were thrilled to see their projects and are grateful to our guests for inspiring our students. 🌟

Happy Indigenous Peoples or First Peoples Day honoring our Native American community. Also remembering we are a country built on stolen land and stolen labor but striving to live up to its ideals.

In the words of Roberto Duran, Donald Trump just said “No Mas” to another debate against Kamala Harris after getting exposed on Tuesday night.

The final closing statement is all you need to know about this election. One was an actual plan for the country and the other a regurgitated, chaotic and befuddled attack on others. #WeAreNotGoingBack

Trump can’t even get his closing statement right and say anything about his plans or goals smh #HarrisTrumpDebate2024

Donald Trump has not made one point about policy the entire night. Shameful. #HarrisTrumpDebate2024

Wait, is it millions or hundreds of billions? Somebody help this man and get him back to math please #HarrisTrumpDebate2024

At some point, elected officials have got to put our kids first in this country. Instead of money being used to kill kids overseas and assist corporations in generating more wealth, how about some money to declare war on the gun violence epidemic and address the wealth gap. 🙏🏾☮️

“Months ago, it was inconceivable that someone other than Joe Biden would be the Democratic nominee for president but sustained pressure changed that. Consider, for a moment, what else pressure could do.” My latest for @SoSeaEmerald.

Love hearing brother Governor @iamwesmoore go ahead then frat 🤙🏾🤙🏾

Not gonna lie, that fired up and ready to go brought back all the feels. “Don’t boo, vote! 🗳️

Reminder: there is nothing “complex” about bombing children. We should all be able to agree that it’s wrong and we should do everything we can to STOP IT.

Welp, I just fell in love with Tim Walz.

I strongly urge people to give some energy to policing issues again. It’s not enough to publicly mourn the victims of high profile police murders a few times a year. These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re a symptom of a racist, violent system that refuses accountability.

Scoop: Interim SPD chief Sue Rahr has issued a directive clarifying that a 2021 law doesn't stop police from questioning teen witnesses. It's a shift from her previous comments that the law was impeding investigation of a fatal shooting at Garfield High. axios.com/local/seattle/2024…

“Former State Rep Jesse Johnson described the state law as an important tool to ensure teenage suspects don't falsely incriminate themselves when under pressure from police.” "I am glad she is clarifying the law, but I do believe it is after the fact.” axios.com/local/seattle/2024…

ARREST. BENJAMIN. NETANYAHU.

Thank you President @JoeBiden for your leadership & decision to step aside as the nominee for the good of the country. We do need to defeat Donald Trump and Project 2025 in Nov providing a vision that is forward thinking, innovative & justice-based. Onward @VP Kamala Harris. VOTE

Kamala can win.