At Santiam Christian, our goal is to help students follow Jesus with their whole life, for their whole life. This means we spend time preparing them for what comes after graduation with great thought and intention.

Our four year, biblically integrated Career Readiness program slowly leads students through a personalized process of discovering the gifts and interests God built into them, and connects that data to real world work opportunities. We believe some things are best learned with your eyes and hands, not just your ears, so exposure and hands-on experience are at the center of everything we do.

Along the way, our families get one-on-one guidance at pivotal moments. The launch to adult life is a layered and intimidating process, we partner with families to make sure no one goes through it alone and has every resource possible to not only survive this transition, but actually enjoy it.

Here's what that looks like in practice:

• Three in-class, guided assessments that connect a student's interests, skills, and natural aptitudes to real world work and relationships.

• College Info Visits and Lunch with a Leader meetings, where students hear directly from experts in the fields they're curious about. 

• A Resume Workshop with professionals from the State of Oregon who unpack interview skills and resume building expectations.

• A junior year Career Day hosted by professionals connected to our community which provides Mock Interviews and Career Panels.

• Numerous (optional) field trips to provide first hand experience and exposure every year.

• Senior year college application office hours and a hosted FAFSA workshop. 

• A live scholarship database, compiled with awards Santiam Christian graduates have actually received in the past five years.

• Whole person development to help students prepare for a life that is more than receiving and spending a paycheck but rather partnering with the Lord to build His Kindgom in all areas - investing in relationships, enjoying hobbies, and impacting their communities.

College is often the option people expect, but it isn't the only path we prepare students for. We walk just as closely with students headed toward trade school, certificate programs, military partnership, gap year and missions programs, or straight into the workforce. Every path comes with a plan and specific next steps. Our career advisor works one on one with each student to identify those steps and help them follow through. Each year at least 30% of our graduates choose to attend a “non-traditional” pathway and are guaranteed the same support and partnership as those who are college bound.

Our hope is simple. That every graduate would take one confident step off our campus toward their uniquely called future, with a foundation that trusts Jesus through the highs and lows, shows up with what they've got, and gives their best for the glory of God and the good of others.