Joel Graves, Author at Partnership for Learning

Guiding Students on the Path to Achieving Big Dreams

Washington is home to a diverse economy with a broad range of anchor industries, including agriculture, aerospace, health care, retail, technology, and more. Increasingly the jobs available in our state are being filled by workers who have completed a postsecondary credential – such as a degree, apprenticeship, or certificate. Washington students have questions about how they can best set themselves up for success after high school. Planning and taking action through middle and high school will support students on their path to fulfilling their career dreams.

Increasing Postsecondary Enrollment: West Valley SD Case Study

More than 9 in 10 students in Spokane’s West Valley School District graduate on time. Six in 10 enroll directly in postsecondary education. West Valley is outpacing the state as a whole on both metrics, and much of that success can be attributed to rigorous expectations paired with robust guidance. See where West Valley wins in our latest ‘Credential is Essential’ district case study.

Fanuel Abraha is a senior at Edmonds-Woodway High School. He also has big dreams and a clear plan to achieve those dreams. Fanuel was featured in our latest #CredentialEssential campaign video about the success of the Edmonds School District in enrolling students into education and training programs after high school.

Increasing Postsecondary Enrollment: Edmonds SD Case Study

High school students in Edmonds School District graduate at a higher rate than their peers statewide. They also enroll in post-high school education at much higher rates. Targeted supports, guidance, and partnerships are helping to drive this out-sized success. Learn more about where Edmonds SD excels in a new case study as part of our Credential is Essential series.

Postsecondary Enrollment in Edmonds Video & Article: The Credential is Essential

High school students in the Edmonds School District graduate at a higher rate than their peers statewide. They also enroll in post-high school education at much higher rates. What is driving the district’s outsized success?

Building a Manufacturing Career in WA

Most of the job openings our state will have by 2021 will be filled by workers with postsecondary credentials, such as a bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree, an industry certificate or an apprenticeship. People who like working with their hands and understanding how things work are a great fit for manufacturing jobs.

REPORT: An estimated 40% of students from Washington’s high school class of 2015 will complete a postsecondary credential – such as a degree, apprenticeship, or certificate – by age 26, according to a new report from Washington Roundtable and Partnership for Learning.

Parent Voices: “Education Opens Doors”

Why do education and high expectations matter to Washington parents?

“Freedom of education opens doors in the future,” said Brandon, a Kent School District parent.

“Education and lifelong learning are going to get you where you really want to go,” said Christina, a North Thurston School District parent.

“It’s important to me that my kids get a quality education because it’s setting them up for success with the rest of their life,” said Julie, a parent in the Kent School District.

These are just a few of the reasons that parents shared for placing a high value on education for their students.

“College is an Opportunity”

The word “college” means different things to different people.

For some, college means a 4-year experience at a large university. For others, it means pursuit of an associate’s degree or a credential earned through community or technical college.

Whatever college means for you, one thing is true: completing a post-high school education or training program and earning a credential is essential, be it a degree, apprenticeship, or certificate. Students with a credential will earn nearly $1 million more in their lifetime. They will also open the door to the more than 700,000 job openings coming to Washington state by 2021.

Author: Joel Graves