More than 400 students and families gathered at SeaTac’s Tyee High School for Highline Public Schools’ annual “Future Ready Fest,” an event designed to connect students of all ages with pathways after graduation.

“Attending Future Ready Fest with both my daughters—one a senior and one just starting at Tyee—was really helpful,” said a Tyee parent. “We received support with financial aid, and my freshman was able to see all the different pathways high school has to

The one-night event featured more than 60 colleges, career programs, and community partners, including the University of Washington, Central Washington University, Paul Mitchell Beauty School, and branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

One of the most popular stops was the Financial Aid Center, where seniors and their families received one-on-one support completing the FAFSA and learning about scholarships.

Highline officials said the station was designed to reduce stress for families navigating the financial side of higher education.

“As a senior, Future Ready Fest really helped me understand how to apply for financial aid and what scholarships I can use for college,” said Miavitoria H., senior at Tyee High School. “Getting one-on-one help made the whole process feel less stressful and

Students of all ages found opportunities to explore. Middle schoolers learned how their classes connect to careers, while elementary families joined hands-on activities aimed at sparking curiosity about future possibilities.

“Every student deserves access to the information and support they need to plan for their future beyond graduation,” said Janet Blanford, Director of Secondary Success & College Readiness, in a statement. “We are here for students and families as they explore the possibilities.”

Highline Public Schools said Future Ready Fest is part of its broader commitment to preparing every student for post-graduation success, whether that means college, career training, or other pathways.

Photos

Below are photos from the event, courtesy Highline Public Schools: