Bemidji High outlines new career and college readiness model, highlights Schoolinks platform and rising graduation rates

Bemidji High School staff presented a new comprehensive career and college readiness program and the district—s rollout of Schoolinks, a platform that will host career exploration tools, senior timelines and alumni tracking. The presentation also included 2025 graduation results showing district and subgroup improvements.

Presenters said Schoolinks — implemented this year with Youth Skills Training grant funds — provides career searches, interest inventories and a secure way for students to request transcripts and manage postsecondary applications. Staff said every student will keep access after graduation and that the platform enables longitudinal alumni follow-up.

The board heard that the career-and-college model aligns existing career academies, career and technical education (CTE) offerings and college-in-high-school coursework into five academy groupings used by Minnesota CTE. Teachers and counselors said the district will recognize student completion at bronze, silver and gold levels at graduation and that roughly half the district—s students are active in an academy program, about 750—800 students. Presenters reported a 70% Schoolinks engagement rate among students so far.

Teacher Rick Towart (33-year district veteran) described the breadth of coursework and cited examples of student outcomes including Allworth scholarships ($24,000 each for some students) and $2.7 million in college-credit value earned in a recent year. Tyler Johnson, who teaches the career seminar and supervises internships, explained that the seminar teaches career research, mock interviews and workplace expectations and that internship students earn credit while gaining on-the-job experience.

Colleen Cardinuto presented 2025 Minnesota Department of Education graduation statistics: Bemidji Public School District four-year graduation rate rose to 80.2% from 74.8% in 2024. Bemidji High School—s rate was reported as 82.4%; Lumberjack High School was reported at 83.8%. Staff highlighted subgroup gains: special education students (61.8% to 68.9%), students eligible for free and reduced-price meals (60.6% to 67.9%), and American Indian students (53.1% to 59.8%).

Board members and students praised the focus on multiple pathways and the practical experience the program provides. Staff said they will expand internship opportunities and continue to strengthen community partnerships for work-based learning.

Next steps

Administrators said Schoolinks timelines and handouts are available on the district website and that staff will continue outreach to employers to expand internship placements and increase student engagement with the platform.