Cameron Cushing, the North Idaho representative in Post Falls, said he’s currently working with six, mostly rural, schools.

“Simply put we are here to help in any way we can,” Cushing said.

The primary goal of the program is to connect eighth through 12th grade students with post-high-school education and work opportunities, such as apprenticeships, internships or volunteer opportunities.

Cushing said he doesn’t work directly with students, instead focusing on programs and supporting high school career counselors.

The program is part of a larger state effort to increase the “go-on” rate of students who enter some sort of secondary education following high school graduation to 60 percent, Cushing said. In 2015, only 46 percent of Idaho high school graduates went on to secondary education within a year of graduation.

This year the Idaho senate passed a bill that provides school districts and charter schools with additional funding to create, or enhance, career counseling programs.

The new project’s services don’t cost anything for schools or school districts, Cushing said. Eli Francovich/SR

To contact Cushing email cameron.cushing@labor.idaho.gov

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