Apple STEM Network to host regional data center summits in North Central Washington

WENATCHEE — The Apple STEM Network announced plans to hold two regional Data Center Summit events this spring to share research findings on the data center industry's impact in North Central Washington.

The organization, which focuses on providing youth with education and career opportunities leading to stable, family-wage careers, has conducted extensive research on data center trends and potential local impacts in the region.

Data centers are increasingly becoming essential to North Central Washington's regional economy as advanced technologies like cloud computing and AI continue to grow. The Apple STEM Network will share its findings through community outreach activities this spring.

Since the construction of the first Yahoo data center in Quincy in 2006, Washington State has experienced steady growth in the sector. North Central Washington has attracted industry leaders including Microsoft, Sabey, Vantage, NTT, and others over the past two decades.

According to the announcement, data centers already contribute significantly to the local economy. In Grant County, they account for over 20% of the county's total property tax revenue, supporting schools, libraries, and public services.

A 2022 report by the Washington Technology Industry Association found that data centers in rural counties generate an estimated $158 million in annual economic output and $70 million in wages and benefits.

The summits will be held at two locations:

• Tuesday, April 29, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Big Bend Community College's WEC Building in Moses Lake
• Friday, May 2, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Wenatchee Valley College's MET Event Center in Wenatchee

Both events are free but limited to 80 participants per location. Registration is available at https://ncwtech.info/datacenter2025.

The Apple STEM Network is a regional alliance led by NCESD and NCW Tech Alliance, representing partners from K-12 education, higher education, and the community. The organization focuses on "supporting educators, integrating community mentorship, promoting authentic project-based learning, and engaging students in exploring future opportunities through STEM.