High school students across the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas are receiving more guidance and opportunities to prepare for college and high-demand careers, thanks to the Postsecondary Regional Engagement Partnership.
Funded by a three-year grant from the Gates Foundation, PREP is a coordinated effort among Peninsula College, Western Washington University, 15 school districts, the College Success Foundation, West Sound STEM Network, and other community partners. The program seeks to increase postsecondary readiness and enrollment for students across Clallam, Jefferson, Mason, and Kitsap counties.
In its first year, PREP has boosted financial aid completion rates by 30%, supported more than 800 students through college and career exploration trips and fairs, and provided additional advising to roughly 1,500 high school seniors among the 15,000 students served by the participating districts.
“PREP is about more than increasing enrollment; it’s about building a clear, supported pathway from high school to high-demand careers and postsecondary success,” said Dr. Kareen Borders, executive director of West Sound STEM Network. “By bringing together schools, tribal communities, workforce partners, and higher education, we’re ensuring students across the peninsula have the tools, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive.”
Dr. Mollee Shultz, data specialist for West Sound STEM Network, emphasized that success is measured not only in numbers but also in student and family perspectives. “Some of it is by talking to students, talking to families, and listening to their perspectives and their mindsets about college going,” she said.
PREP also strengthens advising and support in rural and tribal schools. At Chief Kitsap Academy, a single advisor works closely with a small senior class, guiding students through financial aid applications even when they were not initially planning to attend college.
“Once advising practices get set in place, they will carry on beyond the length of the grant,” Shultz said. She noted that career fairs and Decision Day Signing Assemblies, where seniors publicly announce their postsecondary plans, validate multiple pathways and inspire younger students.
Preparing students for an AI-driven future
Alongside PREP, the West Sound STEM Network is leading a complementary initiative to prepare students for careers in artificial intelligence through TRAIN-WA AI (Technology Readiness and AI Network – Washington). The initiative collaborates with four STEM networks across the state to expand AI learning opportunities.
On Aug. 10, the AI Education Project (aiEDU) announced its Rural and Indigenous Community Catalyst Program, which invests more than $1 million nationally in local nonprofits, tribal education departments and educational service organizations to build AI literacy. West Sound STEM Network was selected as one of the grantees, providing new opportunities to connect teachers, students and communities with AI learning.
“This program empowers teachers to lead the way in AI education, rather than react to how students are already using the technology,” Borders said. “Through TRAIN-WA AI, our team will provide professional learning, resources, and collaborative opportunities so educators can design lessons rooted in local priorities. Students will benefit from instruction that connects AI literacy to their experiences and future workforce opportunities.”
Lucy Dafoe, principal of Chief Kitsap Academy, said the inclusion of AI education reflects the school’s values. “By blending AI literacy with our cultural values, we empower students to shape the future while staying rooted in who they are,” she said.
Teacher professional development is central to this work. Borders said, “By equipping educators with cutting-edge training and locally relevant resources, the program ensures that AI literacy is not just an abstract concept. It becomes integrated into daily teaching and learning.”
Borders said family and community engagement are central to PREP’s AI efforts. “In our region, engagement begins with the adults who are already deeply connected to families—educators, youth leaders, and community partners,” she said. “By equipping teachers and staff who work directly with families, we ensure that AI literacy isn’t a siloed initiative but part of the larger ecosystem of community learning.”
