We work with our partners to help Washington students pursue the career pathway of their choice. This requires an approach that begins early and supports students throughout a high-quality education experience. We focus on partnerships and policies in four areas to increase students’ ability to achieve a credential after high school, such as a degree, apprenticeship, or certificate.
Earning a credential after high school is the key to accessing a vast array of career and advancement opportunities in Washington. Increasingly, the jobs available in our state are being filled by workers who earn a credential after high school. We want Washington kids to be prepared to compete for and succeed in those positions. Through partnerships, research, and policy efforts, we work to increase the number of Washington students who pursue and complete a credential by age 26.
Every Washington student should graduate from high school with the skills and knowledge they’ll need in college, an apprenticeship, or other training that will prepare them for career success. We work to ensure students’ success from kindergarten to high school graduation through a broad range of partnerships, public policy efforts, and community outreach, and by developing resources for educators and families.
We work to advance and support implementation of research-based policies that will help drive progress toward achieving our goal of 70% credential attainment for Washington students by the high school class of 2030. Read our latest Washington Kids for Washington Jobs research and learn more about our “Credential is Essential” campaign, which includes resources for districts, schools, and families.
We collaborate with state and local education agencies, school districts, and advocates to create information and resources that make the case for a high-quality public education for all Washington students.
In partnership with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, we amplify student, parent, and teacher voices through our co-leadership of the Ready Washington coalition. Since 2013, Ready Washington has provided students, families, and teachers with clear, easy-to-use information on a variety topics that include: what students should know and be able to do at each grade level, the importance of measuring student progress, and how to help students connect their learning today with their career plans and aspirations for tomorrow. Resources and information from Ready Washington can help students track their progress and plan their future career paths.
What will my future look like? It’s a question that we encourage all Washington schools to prompt students to start exploring, beginning in elementary school. Through partnerships with leaders in education and business, we develop creative resources that help students understand the jobs available in our state and encourage them to plan a path that will connect their education to future careers.
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