Career Pathways
Finish High School
High School Graduation
We want you to succeed, and that begins with your graduation.
Most students earn their diplomas at local high schools. They take classes, learn about post-high school programs, and prepare for the next step.
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In some cases, students may be ready to take on more. You may want to take advantage of career prep programs in high school to get a head start and launch your career earlier.
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For others, the standard approach to high school may not work. That's OK - we all learn differently. Other options can work to get you your diploma!​
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Take a look at some of these options and ways you can take steps now to make a difference.
Career Prep in High School
Skills Centers
As you consider your interests, you may find that some are aligned with high schools in your area that provide career-based learning that can get you ahead in preparation for after graduation. For example, SKILLS CENTERS are located around the state for students interested in manufacturing, health care, and technology. Students can gain practical competencies they can use to get a technical job right out of high school.
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Internships
Completing an internship is an excellent way to get experience. Internships are temporary, supervised assignments designed to give students or recent graduates practical job training. Sometimes, internships or other experiential learning positions are built into educational programs, and students receive academic credit for completing them.
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Dual Credit / Running Start
If you want to begin your career preparations while in high school, you can begin with programs such as Running Start or other Dual Credit programs.
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Running Start typically allows students to attend the local Community College and take college courses. These classes count toward both their high school credits and their college program.
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If this is not available (or if it is, a different approach is preferred), you may have other options available to earn college credit while completing your high school diploma. This helps you save time as you learn the same information (no need to retake the same class), save money (take the class for $0 tuition), and get to the workplace faster.
Ask your career counselor for more information about programs near you.
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Click for more information about Dual Credit resources (Information provided by Washington Student Achievement Council). Includes Running Start, College in the High School, etc.
Work Based Learning
Looking for an opportunity to work AND earn credit while you're in high school? It may be easier than you think.
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Click here for more information on work-study resources for employers to hire students. (WA Student Achievement Council)
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Visit the Washington Workforce Portal from the AWB Institute for more Work-Based Learning Opportunity resources.
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EMPLOYERS: Are you an employer looking for more information on how to employ students through work-based learning programs? Check out this resource from the AWB Institute.
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Pre-Apprenticeships
Are you looking for resources to help your student make choices? Come check out these pages to provide ideas to help your student develop their career pathway to success.
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Visit the Career Exploration Page
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Machinists Institute Youth Apprenticeship
Click above for more information about the Machinists Institute's youth apprenticeship program in advanced manufacturing.
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AJAC Youth Apprenticeship
Click above for more information about AJAC's youth apprenticeship program in advanced manufacturing.
College Prep
It's never too early to begin to plan ahead. Middle school is a perfect time to look at different careers and explore options.
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For students in Washington, The High School and Beyond Plan is a state graduation requirement for every student designed to guide them through high school and help them plan for their future. It is easier to plan for the future when they have exposure to different careers from which to choose.
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Students, parents, teachers, and counselors are invited to learn about different interests and careers to increase awareness.
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Any student planning to go to college should download, read, and regularly review
produced by the Washington College Access Network.
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See the Career Interests page.
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Click here to see the list of all colleges, universities, and other institutions in Washington State. (Provided by Washington Student Achievement Council.)
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Middle School
It's never too early to begin to plan ahead. Middle school is a perfect time to look at different careers and begin to explore options.
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For students in Washington, The High School and Beyond Plan is a state graduation requirement for every student designed to guide them through high school and help them plan for their future. It is easier to plan for the future when they have exposure to different careers from which to choose.
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Students, parents, teachers, and counselors are invited to learn about different interests and careers to increase awareness.
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See the Career Interests page.
High School & Beyond Plan
For students in Washington, The High School and Beyond Plan is a requirement to guide them to a career pathway of their choice.
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The plan personalizes experiences. It also helps students align goals after school with personal values, strengths, passions, and long-term goals.
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Each student must have the Plan to guide their high school experience and prepare them for postsecondary education or training and career.
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The Challenge
Students start their plans in seventh or eighth grade and continue to revise them throughout high school. Unfortunately, most students have not been exposed to many careers. This means they build life plans around unfamiliar careers or those for which they are mismatched.
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Our Goal
This helps you explore career options, improve your preparation, and ultimately launch your future. Use this to IMPROVE THE OUTCOME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL & BEYOND PLAN.
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Click here for information on Graduation Requirements from the WA State Board of Education
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Click here for information on Graduation Pathways from OSPI
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Click here to download OSPI's High School & Beyond Plan FAQs
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Click here to download OSPI's High School & Beyond Plan Template.
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Click here to view Ready WA and resources to help you prepare and complete your Plan.
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Ready WA's resources to help you understand the HS&B Plan.
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HSBP Video help for parents.
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HSBP Video help for students.
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HSBP Video help for educators.
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Other Resources
Below are other resources available for you to consider as you plan your success to complete your high school journey.
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Info & Resources for students, parents, & educators.
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Read about pathway options outlined by the WA State Board of Education.
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