Students Explore Career Pathways Through Career Kickstart Summer Immersive

More than 40 Issaquah School District students spent four days building career-ready skills, expanding their professional networks and exploring future career possibilities through the district’s Career Kickstart: Summer Immersive program.

The experience began at SanMar, where students participated in interactive workshops designed to prepare them for future educational and career opportunities. During the first day, students toured the company’s facilities, learned resume-writing best practices, practiced informational interviewing with SanMar interns and developed elevator pitches. They also heard from participants in the 2025 Career Kickstart cohort, who shared advice on making the most of the experience.

On the second day, students visited local employers for behind-the-scenes tours, panel discussions and hands-on learning opportunities. Each student visited two organizations, gaining exposure to a variety of industries and career pathways.

“I was pleasantly surprised by the level of curiosity and creativity that students brought along with them,” a Poshan, Inc. job host said. “As someone who’s eager to contribute back to society and help future generations – it is a very rewarding experience when you see kids bringing genuine curiosity and learner mindset.”

The program continued with customized job shadows, allowing students to spend a day alongside professionals in careers aligned with their interests. Through these experiences, students gained firsthand insight into workplace expectations, career pathways and day-to-day responsibilities in their chosen fields.

"It was very refreshing to see their energy, excitement, and interest in the type of work we do. They asked a lot of really good questions about our project, the research we are doing, and our careers," shared a Cramer Fish Sciences job shadow host.

The final day focused on helping students strengthen the durable skills that employers consistently value. Students participated in a skills challenge, connected with local professionals and engaged in conversations with recent alumni about life after high school. They also received individualized resume feedback, completed mock interviews and had professional headshots taken to support future job and internship applications.

“Without hesitation, I can say this was the best activity our family has ever participated in ISD and we have been part of the district since kindergarten,” said a parent of a student in the Career Kickstart program. “The positive impact you have had on these students is immeasurable, and your passion for creating meaningful opportunities for them shine through in every aspect of the program.”

Career Kickstart is made possible through the support of community partners, including SanMar and the Issaquah Schools Foundation. Additional support was provided by local businesses and organizations that hosted job shadows, shared industry expertise and helped students explore future opportunities.

“Preparing students for success after graduation means providing opportunities to learn, explore and connect with the world around them,” Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick shared about the program. “Career Kickstart helps students gain real-world experience, learn from industry professionals and develop the skills they need to thrive in college, careers and life.”

By connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, Career Kickstart helps students build confidence, develop professional skills and take meaningful steps toward their future goals.

Thank you as well to the following organizations: SanMar, Inc., Issaquah Schools Foundation, Boeing, PACCAR Parts, Blue Origin, Snoqualmie Valley Health Hospital, Apex Companies, Bassetti Architects, City of Issaquah, Colleague AI, Cramer Fish Sciences, Eastside Therapy Services, Evergreen Ford, Happy Time Studio, Heinz Marketing, Hermanson, ISD Communications, ISD Facilities, Issaquah Plateau Dentistry, KeyBank, King County Courthouse, Microsoft, MTI Physical Therapy, Naidu Engineering, Open Arms Perinatal Services, P2S Inc., Poshan, Inc., Rowley Properties, Signarama and SpineWorks.

Learn more about Career Kickstart on our website.