Postsecondary Readiness and Enrollment on the Peninsula
PREP is a regional initiative helping students across the Olympic Peninsula take the next step towards postsecondary.
Supporting Student Transitions Across the Olympic Peninsula
The Postsecondary Readiness and Enrollment on the Peninsula (PREP) partnership is a multi-year regional initiative designed to support students in Clallam, Jefferson, Mason, and Kitsap counties as they transition from high school into postsecondary education and career training. This work is made possible through a Horizons Regional Grant from the Gates Foundation, awarded to the West Sound STEM Network in partnership with College Success Foundation (CSF), Peninsula College (PC), and other community, education, and workforce organizations across the region. PREP is one of four Horizons regional partnerships to expand programs to help more students transition from K-12 into postsecondary education.
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​Our Partners​
PREP brings together a wide-ranging group of partners, including 15 local school districts and Tribal schools, Peninsula College, Western Washington University, workforce agencies, and community-based organizations. Together, we are committed to improving access to postsecondary pathways such as college, apprenticeships, and career certification programs.
West Sound STEM Network manages the partnership and coordinates efforts across the region.
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What PREP Does
PREP is focused on expanding and aligning programs that are proven to help students take the next step after high school whether that’s entering college, beginning a training program, or starting an apprenticeship. Over three years, the partnership will:
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Expand high-quality advising and mentoring.
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Increase financial aid application completion through coordinated outreach and support for students and families.
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Strengthen support services for the transition from high school to college or training programs.
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Provide access to education and training in high-demand career fields, connecting students to meaningful, local job opportunities.
Opening doors to college and careers for every student on the Peninsula
“PREP is about more than increasing enrollment—it’s about building a clear, supported pathway from high school to high-demand careers and postsecondary success. By bringing together schools, Tribal communities, workforce partners, and higher education, we’re ensuring students across the Peninsula have the tools, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive. This is a powerful example of what regional collaboration can achieve.”
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—Dr. Kareen Borders, Executive Director, West Sound STEM Network
Reaching Students Where They Are
Who PREP Serves
PREP supports more than 15,000 high school students across the four-county region. In the first half-year of implementation alone, over 1,100 students have already received individualized advising and guidance to help them prepare for life after high school.
By combining the expertise and resources of schools, colleges, community groups, and workforce partners, PREP aims to ensure that every student—regardless of background or location—has the support they need to succeed in their next chapter.
What to Expect
PREP programming will expand over the coming months, with new opportunities and supports launching in schools and communities through the three years of the grant. In addition to funding, PREP partners also receive technical assistance and training to adopt high-impact strategies that make a real difference for students.
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What PREP advisors have said:
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“[When] students find out that, not only is college a possibility for them, but that they can afford it as well - their faces light up when they hear about the many scholarships and grants available and there is a palpable sense of optimism that fills the room.”
“A student we worked with had a 2.97 GPA and was unaware of the College Bound Scholarship. He didn’t realize that raising his GPA just slightly would guarantee admission to almost every school in the state. Motivated by this opportunity, he began envisioning life on a campus, starting applications, and scheduling a college visit.”
“Hosting these students at Peninsula College is just the beginning. With the support of the Horizons Regional Grant, we’re creating customized, engaging experiences that help students imagine, and plan for, a successful future.”
—Suzy Ames, Ed.D., on hosting students for college visits, a part of creating a college-going culture for PREP students
Peninsula College President