In this session of Postsecondary Pathways | A Career Readiness Collaborative Series, we’ll take a deep dive into CADRs (College Academic Distribution Requirements), Dual Credit, and CTE (Career & Technical Education) — essential elements of helping students build strong, personalized postsecondary plans.

Our featured presenters include:

• Jeff Cochran, ESD 105 – Jeff will share best practices and strategies for expanding student access to CTE pathways. He’ll highlight how school districts can better align CTE offerings with postsecondary planning and workforce needs, and how counselors can advocate for CTE as a high-quality pathway.

• Hillary Emerson, Yakima Valley College – Hillary will provide an overview of YVC’s Running Start program, including student eligibility, enrollment processes, key deadlines, and tips for school staff supporting students through the transition into college-level coursework.

• Kyle Carrigan, Central Washington University – Kyle will present on CWU’s College in the High School program, including how it works, how students can enroll, and how counselors can communicate the benefits and expectations of the program to students and families.

This session is ideal for school counselors, career specialists, and student support staff looking to strengthen their understanding of regional dual credit options and postsecondary readiness tools. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies and updated program knowledge to better support students on their journey beyond high school.

This session of Postsecondary Pathways | A Career Readiness Collaborative Series will focus on the financial aid process and how school staff can better support students and families through it. From completing the FAFSA/WASFA to navigating common barriers, we’ll hear from regional experts in K–12, postsecondary, and community-based advising.

Presenters will include:

• A representative from College Success Foundation (CSF)

• A school-based practitioner (TBD)

• A postsecondary financial aid expert (TBD)

Designed for school counselors and student support staff, this session will offer practical tools, up-to-date insights, and strategies you can use to guide students toward successful financial aid completion and postsecondary planning.

In this session of Postsecondary Pathways | A Career Readiness Collaborative Series, we’ll highlight the range of regional postsecondary institutions and apprenticeship opportunities available to students across South Central Washington.

Representatives from Central Washington University (CWU), Yakima Valley College (YVC), Perry Technical Institute, Heritage University, and Job Corps will share information about their programs, admissions pathways, student supports, and how school staff can best help students explore and access these opportunities.

Designed for school counselors and student support staff, this session will provide up-to-date information and practical strategies to support student decision-making around college, career, and beyond.

In this session of Postsecondary Pathways | A Career Readiness Collaborative Series, we’ll explore how schools can better connect students to local workforce opportunities through partnerships with regional organizations.

Representatives from WorkSource and the Yakima County Development Association (YCDA) will share insights on labor market trends, career-connected learning opportunities, and tools available to help students explore and pursue high-demand careers in our region.

This session is designed for school counselors, career specialists, and student support staff looking to build stronger connections between high school and the world of work.