Highline Public Schools join the groundbreaking Washington
Pathways AI Project
Seattle, WA - March 20, 2026
CampusEvolve is partnering with educators and state leaders to develop an “AI Guide for High Schools.” It’s a learner-centered tool that supports students as they move from high school into postsecondary credentials and high-quality careers. Highline Public Schools is joining the project!
Alongside Port Angeles and Yakima school districts, Highline’s students and advisors will research, co-design, and pilot the AI Guide to learn 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.
The Pathways AI Project brings together key Washington organizations, including College Success Foundation (CSF), Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), Washington Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board, Yakima School District, Port Angeles School District, Highline Public Schools, MDRC, and a cohort of AI solution companies. The project launched in October of 2025 with Yakima and Port Angeles School Districts and is now expanding to more districts, including Highline Public Schools. This expansion is broadening the range of student demographic groups that will help shape the tool’s design and success.
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.
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Personalizes conversations and recommendations for wraparound services.
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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.
“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.
“In Highline, we see this project as an opportunity to learn about and inform the development of a tool that could support, not substitute, the trusted adults in our schools,” said Janet Blanford, Director of Secondary Success, College & Career Readiness. “By providing real-time, locally relevant college and career information, AI has the potential to help students ask better questions, explore options earlier, and make more informed decisions alongside their counselors and advisors.”
“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, President & CEO of College Success Foundation, a long-term postsecondary readiness partner of Highline Public Schools.
“We are absolutely thrilled that Highline’s students and advisors are now partners in this project,” said Maria Langworthy, CEO of CampusEvolve. “Adding districts with a track record of postsecondary readiness like Highline Public Schools, we’ll grow our ability to co-create how AI—when embedded in trusted human 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.
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 opportunities in our state. Learn more at wsac.wa.gov.
About College Success Foundation
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 | Turning Dreams Into Reality.
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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