Pathways Day offers valuable insight into post-high school opportunities for all students. Pathways Day provides high school students with an entire day dedicated to exploring post-secondary options and learning about what awaits them beyond high school. From career tours to college visits, students have a chance to gain valuable insight into the next steps in their education or career journey.
Pathways Coordinator Rachel Steil emphasized the variety of opportunities available, noting that representatives from all five branches of the U.S. military, along with professionals from various industries, will be speaking to students.
“There are so many opportunities for students. We have career tours, college tours, and military representatives coming to the school,” Steil said.
For some students, Pathways Day represents a rare chance to explore options they may not have otherwise considered. Steil highlighted the importance of providing equal access to opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
“There are families where maybe they’re first-generation immigrants, or their parents didn’t go to college. These students may not be familiar with college campuses or other career paths because it’s not part of their family structure,” Steil explained.
Coordinating Pathways Day is no small task, and both Steil and Pathways Coordinator Bob Manning, play key roles in organizing and planning the day’s events.
Manning also noted the growing importance of Pathways Day for juniors and seniors, with discussions underway to make participation mandatory for graduation.
“Only about 20% of our seniors attend. Many students see it as an optional day off, but that’s changing. We’re moving toward making Pathways Day a graduation requirement, ensuring all students take part in these experiences,” Manning said.
Despite the wide array of opportunities available, some students remain unsure about what to expect for Pathways Day. As there is not a lot of information out on where to go and who to ask about this eye opening experience.
“I honestly have no idea. I’ve heard about college tours, but I’m not sure what else Pathways Day offers,” junior Taylor Jensen said.
As Pathways Day approaches, students are encouraged to embrace this unique chance to explore potential career paths and educational opportunities. With professionals from various fields and organizations on hand to offer guidance, Pathways Day promises to be a crucial step in helping students shape their futures.
