March 24, 2025
Contact: Holly Bringman, Apple STEM Network Director
509-679-3033 | hollyb@ncesd.org

Apple STEM Network Announces Regional Data Center Summits

Wenatchee, WA – As cloud computing, AI tools, and other advanced technologies continue to expand, data centers are becoming a vital part of the regional economy in North Central Washington. The Apple STEM Network, a regional partnership dedicated to providing youth with access to education and career opportunities that lead to stable, family-wage careers, has conducted research on the data center industry, its trends, and potential local impacts. This spring, the organization will share its findings through a series of community outreach activities.

The research highlights the economic benefits, workforce opportunities, infrastructure needs, and more, fostering an important dialogue about the role of data centers in the region. Since the construction of the first Yahoo data center in Quincy in 2006, Washington State has seen steady growth in this sector. North Central Washington has attracted data centers from industry leaders like Microsoft, Sabey, Vantage, NTT, and others over the last two decades, thanks to its strategic advantages such as access to land, clean power, and a skilled workforce.

Data centers already have a substantial economic impact in the region. In Grant County, they contribute significantly to local tax revenue, accounting for over 20% of the county’s total property tax revenue, which supports schools, libraries, and public services. Additionally, a 2022 report by the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) found that data centers in rural counties generate an estimated $158 million in annual economic output and $70 million in wages and benefits. Recognizing this growing industry’s importance, Governor Ferguson recently announced plans to assemble a working group to evaluate the long-term impacts of data centers in Washington.

To further explore these opportunities, the Apple STEM Network invites local businesses, community and nonprofit leaders, educators, workforce experts, and other stakeholders to attend one of two free regional Data Center Summit events:
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 - Moses Lake
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Big Bend Community College, WEC Building
7662 Chanute St NE, Moses Lake, WA Friday,

May 2, 2025 - Wenatchee
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Wenatchee Valley College, MET Event Center
1300 Fifth St, Wenatchee, WA

The events are free to attend, but space is limited to 80 participants per location. Early registration is encouraged.

Event registration: https://ncwtech.info/datacenter2025
For media inquiries, please contact:
Holly Bringman, Apple STEM Network Director, hollyb@ncesd.org, 509-679-3033

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About Apple STEM Network The Apple STEM Network is a regional alliance of K-12, Higher Ed, and community partners led by NCESD and NCW Tech Alliance. We represent a diverse region with tremendous potential for STEM industries in agriculture, energy, and innovation. Our collective effort focuses on supporting educators, integrating community mentorship, promoting authentic project-based learning, and engaging students in exploring future opportunities through STEM. Visit www.applestemnetwork.org for more information. About NCW Tech Alliance Since 1999, NCW Tech Alliance has served as the region's tech alliance, championing growth and development in North Central Washington. As a 501(c)3, NCW Tech Alliance's mission is to bring people and technology resources together to support entrepreneurs, STEM education, and technology adoption in North Central Washington. For more information visit www.ncwtech.org.