On May 19, industry leaders, educators and students came together for the Purposeful Pathways: Student Voice & Career Opportunities Summit at Washington State University (WSU) Vancouver, hosted by Educational Service District 112 (ESD 112). The event provided students with insights into today’s career pathways, offered local businesses the chance to connect with the next generation of workers, and brought educators together to support the students they serve.
The summit drew students from high schools across the region, including Wahkiakum, Ridgefield, Stevenson, Hockinson, R.A. Long, and Fort Vancouver High School’s Medical Magnet program, as well as students currently enrolled at local colleges.
More than 36 students participated in the summit’s panels, breakout sessions and career expo activities throughout the day.
Liliana Rodriguez-Florez, an alumna of Mark Morris High School, Lower Columbia College and Central Washington University, delivered opening remarks, reflecting on her experience participating in College in the High School (CiHS) while remaining active in sports, student government and other extracurricular activities.
“College in the high school helps you prepare for adult life when you are still in high school,” she said, adding that the program supported her emotional development and eased her transition into college.
The summit was centered on student voice and career opportunities, and is part of The Big Blur, a national initiative led by Jobs for the Future to better connect education and workforce systems. From the value of community and rigor in dual credit classrooms to the doors that Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses can open before a student ever declares a major, a panel of students from across the ESD 112 region discussed the importance of accessing these opportunities.
ESD 112’s Kimberly Black leads a discussion with students
The panel, “Demystifying Dual Credit,” featured current high school and college students from Lower Columbia College, Clark College and WSU Vancouver. It was opened with an activity led by ESD 112’s Career Pathways Coordinator Kimberly Black, inviting participants to respond to common misconceptions about dual credit programs. The discussion that followed drew on students’ real experiences.
Panelists discussed the benefits of dual credit courses, including saving time and money, building skills, and improving time management. High school student Camila reflected on the sense of shared accountability that comes with taking college-level courses.
“You’re not an individual, you’re a community,” Camila said.
Reflecting on other preparatory programs, students noted that CTE courses offered a different kind of value. Logan, a student at Wahkiakum High School, encouraged peers to take advantage of available programs.
“Even if you don’t know what career path you want to pursue yet, the exposure you get in CTE courses can be really helpful,” Logan said.
Student panelists discussed the benefits of dual credit courses, including saving time and money, building skills, and improving time management.
One student offered a candid reminder that navigating postsecondary opportunities can feel unnecessarily complex, and that while educators and employers have full professional lives, high school students’ full-time focus makes access to the right resources at the right time critical.
Throughout the event, high school and college students explored career pathways, connected with local employers and community partners, and heard firsthand how dual credit programs can reduce the time and cost of launching a career. Students also took part in interactive breakout sessions where they reviewed career pathway maps across high-demand industries like advanced manufacturing and healthcare, with direct input from employers and higher education partners, to serve as practical guides for navigating opportunities throughout Southwest Washington.
The day concluded with a career expo, where students networked with employers, community partners and postsecondary institutions to ask questions and build relationships.
Representatives from industry, higher education and community organizations shared resources and career advice while encouraging students to explore multiple pathways to success.
The Purposeful Pathways Summit is part of ESD 112’s ongoing effort to connect students with the people, programs and opportunities that can shape their futures.
College & Career Pathways at ESD 112
ESD 112’s College & Career Pathways team works alongside schools, families, employers and community partners to create and strengthen clear, purposeful pathways from K–12 to college, career and beyond.
Our programs are rooted in authentic community partnerships and collective impact, guided by data, evidence-based practices and research-informed strategies. Learn more about College & Career Pathways >
ESD 112 equalizes educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs.