What a gorgeous day to explore the sea! College Success Foundation Scholars from Bremerton, Clallam, Crescent, Forks and Neah Bay high schools and the Quileute Tribal School recently toured the Northwest Maritime Center in scenic Port Townsend, Washington. For the vast majority of students on the trip, it was their first opportunity to visit the area and the Center.
This career exploration field trip was part of a larger initiative. Postsecondary Readiness and Enrollment on the Peninsulas, or PREP, is a comprehensive, cross-sector regional partnership that aims to help students continue their education and career training after high school.
“Career exploration activities help CSF Scholars by providing them with chances to learn about local industries and pique their interests in learning about other careers available on the Olympic Peninsula,” said Tanner Zahrt, CSF Program Manager for PREP. “These trips are key because they offer experiences not always available for our students living in rural communities on the peninsula. The goal is that these types of experiences will open their eyes to the wealth of opportunities in our community.”
As they arrived, students gathered at the Northwest Maritime Center’s compass rose to receive an introduction to the Center, which serves to educate, inspire people to adventure and celebrate the region’s maritime culture.
Hands-on career exploration
The students were divided into four smaller groups and rotated through a series of interactive stations during the day, where they learned about navigation and cultural wayfinding, explored marine science, discovered the marine trades and the boat shop, and experienced the ship simulator while developing their maritime skills. These activities offered students a glimpse into the maritime industry and potential career paths.
Over lunch, students picnicked by the beach, soaked up the sun and wandered through the stunning coastal scenery. Later in the afternoon, they concluded their station rotations and returned to their communities with a newfound appreciation for careers in the maritime industry.
Student insights
CSF Scholar KJ from Bremerton High School is soaking in all of the career-focused field trip offerings from CSF: “I just want to explore all my options before I have to pick. When I was younger, I wanted to be a doctor, but I now feel that there are other things I can do. There are so many other jobs the world has to offer.”
KJ took part in the boating simulation and described the experience: “I drove different boats, you can control the weather, and you can crash — but nothing bad is going to happen because it’s just practice.”
CSF Scholar Caimen from Quileute Tribal School lives on a boat with his dad and shared more about his connection to the sea: “My dad bought a boat out here, and we traveled around for about five years. I have always liked being around water, and I love boats. Being here today brings me closer to learning about how it all works.”
As a ferry passed by, Caimen pointed out to the water: “I want to be a captain or pilot of one of those. I’ve also thought about going to boat school to learn how to construct a dinghy or some kind of little boat.”
Postsecondary Readiness and Enrollment on the Peninsulas (PREP)
PREP is a three-year initiative is supported by the Gates Foundation’s Horizons Regional Grant Program and coordinated by the West Sound STEM Network.
“PREP supports students furthest from post-secondary options by placing CSF advisors in rural high schools, offering high-quality guidance and providing support for the transition from high school to college,” explained Tanner. “This brings critical resources directly to students, easing the journey to college. We specifically support students interested in Peninsula College through campus visits, and we provide college coaching services over the summer and once they begin attending PC.”
College Success Foundation and Peninsula College, both West Sound STEM Network members, are PREP core partners. The partnership also includes 15 local school districts/Tribal schools, Western Washington University, and nine workforce, government and community-based organizations in the West Sound STEM Network region (Clallam, Jefferson, Mason and Kitsap counties).
“Rural students face multiple barriers such as housing, transportation, and limited access to advising and exposure to in-demand industries and training/education options. On the other hand, many of our students are part of a rich legacy in their communities,” described Tanner. “An important part of this project is supporting students who wish to remain in or return to their communities after college. We are continuing to work with tribal and community partners to identify in-need industries that can provide living wages for young adults.”
The partnership will work together to expand programs that are proven to help students transition from high school into postsecondary education — whether that’s an apprenticeship, career certificate, or two- or four-year degree program.
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