YouScience Navigators Connect Students With Real Career Paths in Springfield

The Greater Springfield Partnership (GSP) is turning career exploration into a hands-on learning experience through YouScience, a workforce development tool now active in Springfield schools. Using funding from the EXPAND 2029 campaign, this initiative helps students identify their aptitudes and connect them to real opportunities. Each navigator brings unique professional experiences to the classroom to help students determine which career they are best suited for. 

Morgan Hanrly Builds Career-Connected Learning at Shawnee High School

A Springfield native and Clark State graduate, Morgan Hanrly brings experience in recruiting and professional development to her role as YouScience Navigator at Shawnee High School. Partnering with teachers, she integrates career exploration into core classes to make learning relevant to life after graduation.

In Samantha Kennedy’s algebra class, students use their YouScience results to select a career and salary, then build financial plans that mirror real-world budgeting. In Robert DeLong’s materials science class, Hanrly helps students connect their aptitudes to fields like engineering and manufacturing, including career tracks that do not require advanced math.

Hanrly also engages local employers through GSP’s network, introducing students to job shadowing and training opportunities. Her focus is on showing students that strong career paths exist right here in Springfield, helping more graduates build futures close to home.

Ron Long Applies Coaching and Business Leadership to Workforce Readiness

With 20 years of experience as a business owner and over a decade of coaching basketball at Northwestern, Ron Long brings leadership and mentoring skills to his work as a YouScience Navigator. He integrates career readiness with personal growth, focusing on helping students understand how their strengths align with in-demand industries.

At Northwestern Jr./High School, Long begins with seniors and juniors, guiding them through the YouScience assessment as a discovery tool — not a test. His approach builds confidence while showing students clear links between aptitude and career.

Events like “SHE DIG”, which introduce young women to careers in heavy equipment, demonstrate how real-world exposure reinforces these lessons. All Clark County schools are also invited to Discovery Days, supported by GSP, that highlight careers in IT, business, and real estate.

Dara Errett Expands Access and Student Connection Across Campuses

Dara Errett draws on her diverse background as a preschool teacher, photographer, and real estate agent. She blends technology, communication, and individualized support to strengthen the reach of YouScience.

Errett, who supports the other YouScience Navigators through the creation of social media posts, updating newsletters, and helping to support Discovery Days, sees YouScience as a way to provide earlier preparation. Her work includes organizing field trips to local construction and manufacturing sites, giving students an up-close view of career options available in their own community.

A Coordinated Effort With Measurable Results

Together, Hanrly, Long, and Errett are embedding career readiness into daily learning across Springfield schools. They interpret student data, collaborate with teachers, and bridge connections with employers. Their shared effort is building a model that can be replicated countywide, hopefully one that prepares students for future success while meeting local workforce needs.

Take Action To Expand YouScience Across Clark County

The Greater Springfield Partnership is working to extend YouScience into more schools. Business leaders, employers, and community partners can help by offering internships, job exposure, and insight into industry needs. To learn how to participate, contact Kaitlyn Tyler, Talent and Education Manager at EXPAND Greater Springfield.