Before Everett students walk across the graduation stage, they could soon be required to know how to write a resume, apply for financial aid and register to vote under a proposed statewide class aimed at preparing teens for life after high school.

Washington’s top education official is proposing a new yearlong “Postsecondary Launch Course” that would become a graduation requirement if lawmakers approve it in 2027.

The course would not take effect until the 2030-31 school year, meaning the first Everett students affected would be freshmen entering high school in fall 2027.

The proposed class would combine practical life skills with existing graduation requirements, including:

• Writing a resume and applying for jobs, college or the military
• Completing financial aid applications
• Learning how to register or pre-register to vote
• Finishing a High School and Beyond Plan, which helps students map out goals after graduation

The course would count for one credit — half focused on financial literacy and postsecondary planning, and half on civics. The civics portion would replace an existing graduation requirement rather than add another class.

State Superintendent Chris Reykdal said many students graduate without basic tools needed to navigate adulthood.

“Students are graduating from the K-12 system without consistent access to the tools needed to support their independence,” Reykdal said in announcing the proposal.

The proposal comes as state leaders look at how to better prepare students for careers and further education. According to data cited by the state’s FutureReady initiative, about 51% of Washington high school graduates enrolled in postsecondary education within a year of graduating in 2020.

Everett Public Schools reported a 96.3% graduation rate for the Class of 2025, but the district does not publicly track how many graduates continue on to college, career training or other programs.

The proposal is part of the State Board of Education’s broader FutureReady review of Washington’s graduation requirements.

The board is expected to vote on draft recommendations in August before the proposal moves to the Legislature during the 2027 session. Lawmakers would need to approve the course before it could become a statewide requirement.

Everett families can submit feedback through the State Board of Education’s FutureReady webpage. Everett Public Schools has not announced any district-specific plans because implementation would depend on state approval.