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Connect Washington

Connect

About Connect Washington

Connect Washington was developed by a committee of teachers, administrators, counselors, district leadership, and our partners at Downtown Washington, City of Washington, and Chamber of Commerce. The goal of this program is two-fold: engage School District of Washington students in meaningful career exploration opportunities and bolster the local workforce for our business and community partners.

Our Goal: 100% of WHS students graduate with a Diploma Plus Asset

Our Purpose and Principles

Connect Washington was founded on three core pillars: Essential Skills, RIASEC, and Partnerships.

We will ensure each student has an opportunity to explore their career passions and interests through experiences in our businesses and industries prior to graduating Washington High School, while connecting careers and essential skills throughout the K-12 classrooms.

In Connect Washington, essential skills—such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professionalism—are key to preparing students for success beyond the classroom. These skills bridge the gap between academic knowledge and workplace expectations, helping students build confidence, adapt to real-world environments, and create lasting connections with local business partners.

RIASEC, which stands for Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional, is a career exploration framework used in Connect Washington to help students better understand their interests and strengths. By connecting students’ RIASEC profiles to real-world industries and career pathways, we guide them toward opportunities that align with their passions, talents, and future goals.

Partnerships with our community are the foundation of Connect Washington. By working closely with local businesses and organizations, we create real-world learning experiences that prepare students for life after graduation. These partnerships provide mentorship, hands-on opportunities, and career connections that help students build their future here at home.

  • We will ensure each student has an opportunity to explore their career passions and interests through experiences in our businesses and industries prior to graduating Washington High School, while connecting careers and essential skills throughout the K-12 classrooms.

  • In Connect Washington, essential skills—such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professionalism—are key to preparing students for success beyond the classroom. These skills bridge the gap between academic knowledge and workplace expectations, helping students build confidence, adapt to real-world environments, and create lasting connections with local business partners.

  • RIASEC, which stands for Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional, is a career exploration framework used in Connect Washington to help students better understand their interests and strengths. By connecting students’ RIASEC profiles to real-world industries and career pathways, we guide them toward opportunities that align with their passions, talents, and future goals.

  • Partnerships with our community are the foundation of Connect Washington. By working closely with local businesses and organizations, we create real-world learning experiences that prepare students for life after graduation. These partnerships provide mentorship, hands-on opportunities, and career connections that help students build their future here at home.

Students who engage in work-integrated learning build stronger professional networks and are more confident and career-ready at graduation.

Happy student shows her RIASEC Code

Get Inolved

Looking to get involved with Connect Washington? Click the link below or email Katelyn Huber, katelyn.huber@sdowmo.org.
 

Get Involved