CampusEvolve is partnering with educators and state leaders to develop an “AI Guide for High Schools,” a learner-centered tool that supports students as they move from high school into postsecondary credentials and high-quality careers. Over the next 15 months, the Pathways AI Project will research, co-design, and pilot how artificial intelligence—grounded in human relationships—can make pathways more personalized and effective for all learners. The project is supported by a $3.5 million grant from the Gates Foundation and the Schultz Family Foundation.

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The Pathways AI Project brings together key Washington organizations, including the College Success Foundation (CSF), Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), Washington Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board, Yakima School District, Port Angeles School District, MDRC, and a cohort of AI solution companies. Centering on student agency, partners have begun collaborating on the development of the AI Guide through rapid cycle design sprints with students and their advisors. This user-centered design approach ensures the tool is developed to complement the work of advisors in supporting students. In 2026 the tool will begin to be piloted in school districts.

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This tool aims to transform how students access and launch their post-secondary credential pathways by providing a human-centered, natural language experience that:

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• Simplifies complex tasks through guided pathways that dynamically adapt to student progress.

• Personalizes conversations and recommendations for wraparound services.

• Understands each student’s unique context, ensuring they feel understood and empowered.

 

“This pilot project has the potential to leverage artificial intelligence to support students with their postsecondary training and education needs. It enables Washington State to identify what works and establish transparency that could foster trust in artificial intelligence and accelerate its adoption” said Isaac Kwakye, Deputy Executive Director of the Washington Student Achievement Council.

 

The AI Guide for High Schools will function as a secure, conversational assistant that helps students and their support networks clarify goals, discover aligned credentials and apprenticeships, navigate admissions and financial aid, and connect to wraparound supports.

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“AI, guided by human insight and care, can be a powerful tool for expanding opportunity and helping young people thrive,” said Marie Groark, managing director of the Schultz Family Foundation. “The Pathways AI Project puts students at the center—using technology to strengthen human connection, propel their journeys, and open doors to education and careers that lead to lasting stability.”

 

Designed with privacy, equity, and accessibility at its core, the Guide will integrate state and local resources and reflect Washington’s talent needs. The Project will produce education resources data, pathways success data, and human + AI research.

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“CSF is thrilled to partner in this endeavor, harnessing technology to meet students where they are while bringing our in-person advising expertise to the table. Together, we can strengthen supports and help even more students succeed” said Mike Cheever, CEO of the College Success Foundation.

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MDRC, a leading social policy research organization, will serve as the independent evaluation partner, supporting a mixed-methods research plan focused on adoption, equity, outcomes, and implementation fidelity across different community contexts.

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“Washington is leading the nation by showing how AI can be deployed responsibly on a large scale to serve real students, real families, and real communities,” said Maria Langworthy, CEO of CampusEvolve. “With our partners, we are co-creating how AI—when embedded in trusted relationships—can help the state achieve its goals for credential attainment and a thriving labor market.”

 

About CampusEvolve

CampusEvolve builds AI tools that help learners navigate education and career pathways—connecting high school to postsecondary credentials and into family-sustaining jobs. CampusEvolve partners with districts, state agencies, nonprofits, and employers to align guidance with local opportunity. Learn more at  CampusEvolve.

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About the Washington Student Achievement Council

The mission of the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) is to increase the number of people in Washington who get education or training beyond a high school diploma. WSAC focuses on improving outcomes for people and groups furthest from educational equity. From state financial aid and workforce training to policy and consumer protection, WSAC supports Washingtonians and increases economic opportunity in our state. Learn more at wsac.wa.gov.

 

About the College Success Foundation

The College Success Foundation (CSF) provides students from low-income backgrounds with the tools, support, and scholarships needed to successfully navigate higher education and transition into meaningful careers. With a focus on mentorship and financial assistance, CSF helps students overcome systemic barriers to college access and completion. Learn more at College Success Foundation. 

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About the Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, we work with partners to create impactful solutions so that people can take charge of their futures and achieve their full potential. In the United States, we aim to ensure that everyone—especially those with the fewest resources—has access to the opportunities needed to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Bill Gates and our governing board.   

 

About the Schultz Family Foundation

The Schultz Family Foundation's mission is to create greater opportunity, accessible to all. Our work is deeply rooted in the lives and values of our co-founders, Sheri and Howard Schultz, who believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. We seek to apply the lessons they have learned over the decades to seed innovations and scale solutions to help young people successfully navigate the transition to adulthood and positively impact the trajectory of their lives. We are investors in unleashing potential and unlocking opportunity, working in partnership with employers, entrepreneurs, non-profits, and governments that share our aspiration of enabling everyone to access the full promise of America.

Learn more at: schultzfamilyfoundation.org.

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