Career Readiness Program Builds Pathways Between Springfield Students and Local Employers

The Greater Springfield Partnership is leading a new workforce initiative that connects local students with real career pathways through YouScience, an aptitude-based career discovery platform. Shawnee and Northwestern high schools are the first to pilot the program, which uses measurable data to link students’ natural abilities with in-demand career opportunities.

The program fills a long-standing gap in the education system. Too often, students graduate with limited exposure to career guidance or industry insight. With the integration of YouScience into classroom instruction, Springfield schools are helping students identify career paths that align with their skills, while demonstrating how local employers can meet future workforce needs.

Navigators Connect Students to Career Pathways

Three YouScience navigators, Morgan Hanrly, Ron Long, and Dara Errett, are implementing the program at both high schools. Their role extends far beyond testing. They help students interpret results, connect those results to real career options, and organize events that bring local employers into the classroom, with the ultimate goal of finding a viable career pathway for each student.

Hanrly, who works directly with Shawnee Middle and High School students, said the goal is to help students recognize their aptitudes early. “Aptitudes show where students can achieve the best success over time. Once they understand their strengths, choosing a direction becomes much easier.”

Early Awareness Builds Long-Term Workforce Readiness

Ron Long, a former business owner and coach, leads the effort at Northwestern Jr/Sr High School. His focus is on connecting upperclassmen with local career pathways before graduation. Seniors and juniors receive focused support to align their skills with available training, internships, and employment options. Sophomores will expand their aptitude exploration next year.

Events such as “SHE DIG” demonstrate how this program translates to hands-on learning. During the event, female students explored careers in heavy equipment operation, testing their YouScience results in a real-world setting. The Greater Springfield Partnership plans the Discovery Days, featuring industries like healthcare, IT, business, and real estate and invites all local school districts to participate. These activities provide students with exposure to local employers and help companies identify emerging talent.

Preparing Students Earlier for Career Success

Dara Errett supports the other YouScience Navigators through the creation of social media posts, updating newsletters, and helping to support Discovery Days. “We are helping students connect their natural talents to future opportunities,” she said. “If they understand their aptitudes in middle or early high school, they are better equipped to make informed training and education choices later.”

Creating a Scalable Model for Workforce Development

The Greater Springfield Partnership designed the pilot as a model for future expansion. With Shawnee and Northwestern as test sites, the Partnership will evaluate results, refine the approach, and expand it to additional schools across Clark County as funding allows.
The long-term goal is to create a unified system that gives every student early access to career awareness and connects that preparation directly to the region’s workforce needs.

Support Local Talent Development

The Greater Springfield Partnership invites business and community leaders to support the expansion of YouScience across Clark County schools. Contact Kaitlyn Tyler, Talent and Education Manager, to learn how partnership and funding opportunities can strengthen Springfield’s future workforce.