YouScience Navigators Help Clark County Students Connect Learning To Real Careers

With support from the EXPAND 2029 campaign, the Greater Springfield Partnership (GSP) is utilizing YouScience to help students understand how their strengths align with real-world jobs. The program provides students with insight into their natural talents and interests, and then allows them to explore career options that align with those skills.

Three YouScience Navigators are leading this work in Clark County schools. Each brings a strong background in education, business, and community service. Together, they are helping students move from career awareness to hands-on experience with local employers.

Morgan Hanrly Helps Students Turn Skills Into Plans

At Shawnee High School, Navigator Morgan Hanrly is helping students link what they learn in the classroom to future careers. A Springfield native and Clark State graduate, she spent years in workforce training before joining the YouScience team.

Hanrly works with teachers to integrate career exploration into everyday lessons. In math classes, students use YouScience results to plan budgets based on real jobs and salaries. In science classes, they connect their skills to manufacturing and engineering careers that may not require advanced degrees.

She also builds relationships with local employers through GSP’s business network. By creating job shadowing and training opportunities, she helps students see a future for themselves in Springfield rather than looking elsewhere for work.

Ron Long Builds Confidence And Career Readiness

Ron Long brings decades of business ownership and coaching experience to Northwestern Jr./Sr. High School. He uses those skills to help students see YouScience as a discovery tool, not a test.

Long focuses on helping juniors and seniors match their abilities with in-demand industries. His coaching approach encourages confidence, teamwork, and follow-through. He also helps organize career events, such as She Did, which introduces young women to careers in heavy equipment through hands-on learning.

Through collaboration with GSP, Long supports Discovery Days, which provide students with direct exposure to fields such as IT, business, and real estate — industries that are growing locally and need new talent.

Dara Errett Connects Students Through Technology And Outreach

Navigator Dara Errett supports both Northwestern and Shawnee schools. Her background as a teacher, photographer, and real estate professional gives her a practical understanding of career change and skill development.

Errett keeps the program visible by managing technology and social media updates, ensuring that students and families are aware of local career options. She also provides personal support to seniors preparing for graduation. Her work includes organizing field trips to local industries, allowing students to see modern workplaces in action.

Creating Lasting Impact Across Clark County

Together, Hanrly, Long, and Errett are building stronger connections between schools and employers. Their work helps students understand how their skills align with the local job market, while providing businesses with new ways to engage with future talent.

As YouScience continues to grow, the model developed in Springfield can expand across Clark County, helping more students build meaningful, career-connected futures close to home.

Take Action To Support Career-Connected Learning

Greater Springfield Partnership is expanding YouScience to reach more schools. Employers and community partners can help by offering job shadowing opportunities, internships, and industry insights that provide students with real-world experience. Contact Kaityln Tyler, the Talent and Education Manager at Greater Springfield Partnership, to learn more about partnership opportunities.