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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!


The Career Kickstart application opens on Monday, April 7 at 8:00 a.m. and is due on Friday, April 25 at 9:00 p.m. 

2025 Career Kickstart Application

 

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.