Welcome to the Career Pathways Hub! We're glad you're here!
The Career Pathways Hub (CPH) is available to help all Mercer Island High School (MIHS) students identify and navigate pathways toward post-secondary success. The CPH helps students discover, plan and achieve their goals for after high school graduation. The CPH acts as a resource center, a workspace, a programming/activity hub, and an office to meet 1:1 in person or virtually with College and Career Specialist, Ms. Kenyon.
The Career Pathways Hub is located inside the MIHS Counseling Center.
This section provides comprehensive resources to support students and families through senior year and post-secondary planning. Find guidance on graduation requirements, college and career readiness tools, counselor support, and insights into the current educational and economic landscape.
This section offers comprehensive resources to navigate the college application process, including application guidance (e.g. Common App, UC/Cal State), financial aid information (e.g. FAFSA, WAFSA, grants), scholarship opportunities, college visit resources, and specific programs like the Washington Guaranteed Admission Program (WAGAP) and the Washington Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). Find everything you need to explore and apply to colleges and universities.
Explore opportunities in trade and technical education. This section provides information about WANIC Open Houses, various degree and certificate types, Washington's public community and technical colleges, resources for women in trades, and the Career Adventure Van.
This section offers information around joining the United States military including job training, educational benefits like free or discounted college tuition, opportunities to travel, and a chance to serve our country. For some, it also provides a clear path to career advancement and personal development through discipline and leadership training. Find more information about opportunities within the military below.
This section provides information and answers the question, "What is a gap year?". A high school student might choose to take a gap year after graduation to gain life experience, travel, volunteer, work, or explore interests before committing to college or a career path. It can be a valuable time for personal growth, building independence, and making more informed decisions about their future.
Summer activities offer high school students a valuable opportunity to explore interests and build skills that support future careers. These experiences can help students discover what they enjoy, gain real-world insights, and develop key competencies like communication, teamwork, and time management. By using their summers strategically, students lay the foundation for a more informed and successful career path.
Volunteering and internships provide high school students with hands-on experience that goes beyond the classroom. These opportunities help students develop practical skills, build confidence, and explore potential career paths in a real-world setting. They also allow students to network with professionals, demonstrate responsibility, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Whether helping others or gaining industry insight, volunteering and internships can shape students' futures and strengthen college and job applications.
Part-time jobs offer high school students a head start on building a strong work ethic and essential professional skills. From time management and communication to problem-solving and teamwork, these experiences help students grow personally and professionally. Earning a paycheck also teaches financial responsibility, while exposure to workplace environments can clarify career interests and goals. Even entry-level jobs can lay a solid foundation for future success in any professional path.
