Dyea Tumlin: Empowering Students Through College and Career Pathways At Brainerd High School
Brainerd High School’s College and Career Pathways are designed to prepare students for life after high school by equipping them with essential skills and real-world experiences. Through Early Post Secondary Opportunities (EPSOs), students can earn college credits and gain hands-on professional training while still in high school, giving them a significant head start on their future educational or career paths.
Brainerd’s career pathways include aviation, entrepreneurship, law, first responders, & forensic science. Students receive the best guidance possible from dedicated staff like Dyea Tumlin, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Instructional Coach. Brainerd‘s commitment to empowering young people and recognizing students’ needs helps students explore numerous opportunities. Ms. Tumlin guides the students through their educational journey, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in both their personal and professional lives.
“Engaging in these programs allows students to experience college-level coursework and practical career training, better preparing them for the challenges of higher education and the workforce,” Ms. Tumlin.
Ms. Tumlin truly believes in the young people of Brainerd. Everyday she puts on her school pride and her bright smile to show how honored she is to give guidance to the students. She further detailed how ninth-grade students explore different career pathways before committing to a path. During their freshman year, students can take two Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes, providing exposure to various fields. Ms. Tumlin explained, “For example, a student might explore both Intro to Aviation and Barbering. After this experience, they can make an informed decision about which pathway to pursue in their sophomore year, such as continuing with the Barbering pathway in the Entrepreneurship Institute. This exploratory process helps students become more engaged and invested in their education.”
A student who can speak on the graciousness of Ms.Tumlin and the benefit of the College and Career Pathway program is Justin Lewis, a 2023 graduate. While in high school, Justin participated in a work-based learning partnership with West Star, a leading aviation company, where he started detailing jets during his senior year. Now Justin attends Centre College in Kentucky. Justin returns to West Star every summer to continue his work. This story demonstrates how Brainerd’s program not only prepares students for college but also connects them with real-world job opportunities, creating a pathway to success.
Brainerd’s approach to college and career readiness is collaborative - involving caring staff, community partners, and robust programs that include:
Institute of Aviation
Institute of Entrepreneurship
Institute of Law, First Responders, & Forensic Science
The College and Career Pathway program is more than just education, it’s a strategic approach to preparing students for success in life beyond high school, whether in college, the workforce, or trade professions.
For more information about Future Ready Institutes and pathways visit, www.hcde.org/students_families/academics/the_future_ready_institutes