Recently, members of the St. Louis Park High School Career Pathways program – including advisory board members, students, teachers, and alumni – participated in “Writing Our Region’s Work-Based Learning Story: A Human-Centered Design Experience,” a regional event hosted by GPS Education Partners, Greater Twin Cities United Way, and the Hennepin West Consortia.

Participants from SLPHS included Karen McCarren, Kara Mueller, Avery Filley (Class of 2022), Joe Goelz, Joseph Knapper (Class of 2026), Landon Goelz (Class of 2026), Jason Jones, and Mark Miller.

The event used storytelling and design thinking to explore ways to make work-based learning more inclusive and impactful. Through collaborative activities, participants focused on how real-world experiences can better prepare students for success beyond high school.

SLPHS students Landon Goelz and Joseph Knapper served as Student Leaders, helping facilitate the workshop’s sessions. Alum Avery Filley delivered the keynote address, sharing their experience of how a high school internship led to a successful career in manufacturing. Avery’s story highlighted the lasting impact of hands-on learning opportunities.

The event underscored the importance of designing educational experiences with students at the center. SLPHS Career Pathways students and staff represented the district’s ongoing commitment to connecting classrooms with careers and creating real opportunities for every student.

As Career Pathways programs continue to expand at SLPHS, participation in events like this strengthens partnerships, fosters innovation, and supports the development of future-ready learning models.

The SLPHS Career Pathways Advisory Board plays a key role in this work by aligning educational programs with real-world career opportunities to prepare students for success after high school.