Grade 8
Hands-on Experience
In 8th grade, you continue hands-on experiences to see the possibilities of your future. Seeing is believing!
SchooLinks Tasks
SchooLinks is an online tool to help students explore their future self-- using personality, skills, and interests to determine the best career & pathway fit.
- Update Resume/Profile
- Set/Update Career Goal
- Set/Update Post-Secondary Goal
- Favorite 3 Careers
- 8th Grade Financial Aid Lesson
- Submit 8th Grade High School & Beyond Plan
Future Ready Event
8th Grade UW Experience
The UW Experience is an early college awareness exploration event hosted in partnership with University of Washington Seattle. Students participate in an interactive campus scavenger hunt, student panel, and hands-on academic activities to help them see their future self as a college student. This event helps cultivate a strong foundation and understanding of possible pathways after graduating high school and reinforce the idea that college can be affordable.
Stay Connected
Attend Family Events
Student-led conferences, open house, Future Ready Fest, and CollegeCon are great opportunities to explore future ready opportunities and connect with your school community.
Check Out Quarterly “What’s the Scoop?”
Newsletter
Discover the possibilities that await and stay up to date on the latest college and career news, events, and opportunities. Available the last week of each quarter on Parent Square and email.
Family Checklist
Stay Engaged!
Students who are involved in extracurricular activities are more likely to stay healthy, enjoy school, and get better grades. Choose at least one activity or club to join.
Establish good habits.
8th grade is a great time to challenge yourself so that you are ready for high school. Review your attendance and grades from the last term and set goals for improvement. Discuss a plan to tap into additional support if needed.
Consider high school options.
8th graders are automatically assigned to a comprehensive high school unless they apply to a school of choice school. Be on the look out for information and events to learn more about your choices.
Attend your high school transition night.
In the spring each high school will have and event for 8th grade students and families. Mark your calendar to begin to get connected to your new school.
Family Discussion Ideas
University of Washington (UW) Visit Family Discussion
- What was the most interesting thing you learned on the UW visit?
- What careers/jobs are you interested in right now?
- Do you know what type of education after high school is required to get into that career?
The High School and Beyond Plan is a graduation requirement in Washington designed to help students prepare for their futures by connecting their school experience to life after graduation goals.