Pathway to Employment Program
Mary M. Knight School District & Mason County Economic Development Council
Program Overview
The Pathway to Employment Program at Mary M. Knight School District is designed to connect motivated, work-ready juniors and seniors with local employers in our community. In partnership with the Mason County Economic Development Council, this program helps students take meaningful steps toward employment, career exploration, and professional growth while still in high school.
Students who successfully meet program standards earn a Pathway to Employment Certification and receive a Pathway to Employment Card that can be presented to local businesses during the application and interview process.
What the Certification Represents
The Pathway to Employment Certification is a recognition awarded to students who demonstrate strong workplace-readiness skills verified by their instructors. These standards reflect the qualities local employers consistently value in entry-level employees, including:
Punctuality and dependability
Professional communication skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Leadership and initiative
Professionalism and reliability
Satisfactory academic performance
When a student presents a Pathway to Employment Card, it signals that they have met rigorous expectations and are prepared to enter the workforce with confidence.
Purpose of the Program
The program is built to:
Prepare students for entry-level employment
Provide real-world interview and hiring experiences
Strengthen workforce readiness and professionalism
Build partnerships between schools and local businesses
Support employers in identifying dependable young talent
Grow and strengthen the local workforce pipeline
Benefits for Students
Participating students gain:
Resume-building credentials
Interview practice and professional confidence
Networking opportunities with local employers
Early exposure to career pathways
A competitive advantage when applying for entry-level jobs
Real-world expectations before graduation
Benefits for Employers
Local businesses that participate in the Pathway to Employment Program receive access to motivated, pre-screened candidates who have already demonstrated responsibility and workplace readiness. Employers are not obligated to hire; participation simply means agreeing to offer an interview opportunity to certified students who apply for open entry-level positions they qualify for.
Employer feedback is welcomed and encouraged so the certification standards continue to reflect real industry expectations and community workforce needs. Businesses may participate at any time, even if they do not currently have openings available.
Parent & Guardian Information
Parents and guardians are encouraged to talk with their juniors and seniors about participating. This program helps students build responsibility, confidence, and professional skills while creating meaningful connections with local employers. It serves as a structured and supportive bridge between education and employment.
Student Eligibility & How to Participate
This opportunity is primarily available to Juniors and Seniors who:
Maintain good academic standing
Demonstrate positive attendance and behavior
Show readiness for workplace expectations
Receive instructor or counselor approval
Students interested in participating should speak with their CTE teacher or school counselor to begin the process.
Contact Information
Students & Parents
For student participation or general questions:
Garrett Johannes
CTE Director – Mary M. Knight School District
Email: gjohannes@mmk.wednet.edu
Students may also speak directly with:
Mr. Johannes – CTE Director
Ms. Fisher – School Counselor
Employers & Community Businesses
For employer partnerships or participation details:
Tiana Dunbar
External Affairs Manager – Mason County Economic Development Council
Email: tiana@choosemason.com
Phone: 360-426-2276 | 360-280-0703
Together, we are building strong pathways from education to employment and strengthening our students, businesses, and community.