On March 9, Educational Service District 112 (ESD 112) welcomed education professionals from across Southwest Washington to a Postsecondary Readiness Workgroup focused on building regional momentum and capacity to support students as they transition from high school to college, career training, and other postsecondary opportunities. The gathering brought together educators, advisors, navigators, and education partners to share ideas, build relationships, and explore more ways to collaborate in support of students across the region.

Representatives from K–12 districts, higher education institutions, and regional organizations participated, including partners from Washington State University Vancouver, Clark College, Lower Columbia College, and Washington STEM. School counselors, College and Career Readiness Advisors (CCRAs), and district leaders gathered around a shared goal: ensuring more students can successfully navigate and access opportunities beyond high school.

This work group is an expansion of the Horizons Advising Partnership and reflects the growing implementation of The Big Blur, a national initiative led by Jobs for the Future to better connect education and workforce systems. The work centers on breaking down silos, expanding access to early college and career-connected learning, and ensuring students can move more seamlessly from high school into postsecondary education and careers.

During the workgroup, participants explored strategies to strengthen alignment between K–12 and higher education systems and expand career-connected learning opportunities. Conversations centered on how regional partners can work together to create more cohesive, accessible experiences for students as they plan for life after graduation.

Reflecting on these conversations, Johnny Arredondo, Rural Transition Navigator at Clark College, shared,

“We’re doing a great job of introducing students to careers and really ensuring that they have an idea of what they want to do after they graduate high school. By ensuring that students are familiar with universities, are familiar with careers, and colleges, it gives them a better sense of direction. They can go ahead and make confident decisions that they’re not only going to be going somewhere that they like, but they can study something that they will enjoy long-term.”

Bringing together partner organizations is central to ESD 112’s mission to support regional education systems. Efforts like this workgroup highlight a shared commitment to strengthening connections across institutions and creating more aligned, student-centered pathways. As Southwest Washington continues this work, initiatives like The Big Blur are helping to build a more integrated system that supports students at every stage of their journey.

Through partnerships with local districts, higher education institutions, and regional organizations, ESD 112 and its collaborators are working to ensure that every student, regardless of background or location, has the support needed to take the next step with confidence.

About The Horizons Advising Partnership and The Big Blur

Funded by the Gates Foundation, the Horizons Advising Partnership and The Big Blur Initiative support regional efforts to better align K–12, higher education, and workforce systems in service of students.

For more information on the Horizons Grant, visit the Gates Foundation Horizons site or contact Jake Ptacek, Postsecondary Readiness Manager at ESD 112 at ESD 112 at jake.ptacek@esd112.org.

Read “Horizons advisors reflect on successful first year of partnership.”