High School Students: Apply for 'Career Kickstart' Summer Program

Career Kickstart. Experience real careers. Make real connections. 

"Career Kickstart" is a new, free two-week immersive summer program provided by Issaquah School District through a grant from the Issaquah Schools Foundation that gives incoming high school juniors and seniors direct access to local leading companies in various industries. Throughout the two-week program, students will shadow professionals, observe real work environments and build authentic relationships with industry leaders. This is more than career exploration — it's a chance to make meaningful connections that could lead to internships, mentorships, or job opportunities down the line.   

The Career Kickstart application opens today, April 7. and is due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 25. Students who would like to apply should check their Canvas for the link to the application. We will use a lottery system to select 50 student applicants to participate. Selected applicants will be notified on or before Thursday, May 1 and will have one week to accept or decline. Students who are not selected via the lottery will be added to a waitlist and may be offered a spot based on space.


Key benefits:

• Go beyond the classroom with hands-on, real-world career exposure 
• Visit workplaces across tech, business, healthcare, trades and more 
• Shadow professionals and see day-to-day work up close 
• Ask questions, build relationships, and gain insider advice 
• Strengthen resumes and applications with a standout experience 
• Make early career connections that can pay off after high school

Eligibility requirements:

• Student must be in 11th or 12th grade for the 2025-2026 school year
• Student must attend Issaquah High, Liberty High, or Skyline High
• Student must be available from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the following dates: Monday, August 4; Tuesday, August 5; Wednesday, August 6; Thursday, August 7; Monday, August 11, Tuesday, August 12; Wednesday, August 13; Thursday, August 14.
• Student must have reliable transportation to and from each day of the program

Program schedule:

• Monday, August 4: introductory workshop
• Tuesday, August 5: worksite tour #1
• Wednesday, August 6: worksite tour #2
• Thursday, August 7: week 1 debrief & job shadow prep day 
• Monday, August 11: job shadow day #1
• Tuesday, August 12: job shadow day #2
• Wednesday, August 13: job shadow day #3
• Thursday, August 14: final debrief day

To apply, check your student Canvas account for the link to the application.