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Career Kickstart

Issaquah School District is offering a new, FREE career development program this summer called Career Kickstart! All rising juniors and seniors, especially those who are interested in exploring potential career options, are welcome to apply. If you're hoping to learn more about a variety of industries, companies, and occupations, this program is for you!


Thank you to the more than 150 students who applied for our Summer Career Kickstart Program! Applications for Career Kickstart are now closed. We will share more opportunities to explore careers if they become available. Students are always encouraged to visit their College and Career Center for more opportunities for preparing for college and careers.

Industry Professionals and Alumni: Would you like to be involved in Career Kickstart 2025 and share your insight & knowledge with students exploring future careers? Complete our Industry Professionals Volunteer Form today!

Below are the opportunities for community members to get involved. 

  • Informational Interviews: Thursday, August 7, 10:55 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in Issaquah
  • Resume Review: Thursday, August 14, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. in Issaquah
  • Alumni Panel: Thursday, August 14, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. in Issaquah 
  • Job Shadow Hosting: Monday, August 11; Tuesday, August 12; Wednesday, August 13; 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at your workplace

 

Overview
Career Kickstart is a FREE two-week immersive summer program that gives high school students the opportunity to learn more about careers they're interested in, as well as ones they've never even heard of. Available thanks to support from the Issaquah Schools Foundation, students who participate in Career Kickstart will visit leading companies, hear from industry professionals, and experience a 3-day job shadow, while learning important employability skills throughout. 

How will students be selected for this program? 
50 student applicants will be selected by lottery. 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

  • Visit workplaces to learn more about various industries, companies, and occupations
  • Be matched with a mentor within a local organization and participate in a job shadow
  • Practice informational interviewing
  • Develop and practice important employability skills, such as professionalism, communication, teamwork, and problem solving
  • Discover how to impress at a job or internship
  • Polish your resume with pro tips

Eligibility Requirements

  • Student must be in 11th or 12th grade for the 2025-2026 school year
  • Student must be enrolled at Issaquah HS, Liberty HS, or Skyline HS
  • Student must be available from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the following dates: Monday 8/4, Tuesday 8/5, Wednesday 8/6, Thursday 8/7, Monday 8/11, Tuesday 8/12, Wednesday 8/13, Thursday 8/14 (we will not meet on Fridays)
  • 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 Preparation 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


Career Kickstart. Experience real careers. Make real connections.