Career And College Prep

What is the Student Advisory Council?

The Student Advisory Council is a select group of K12-powered students from around the country who serve as advisors for their peers as well as brand ambassadors for K12 and their schools. Through this paid internship opportunity, they provide valuable feedback and insight about their experiences with career readiness education.

Meet Our Student Advisors

Fall 2022 Cohort

Rylan Braithwaite photo

Rylan Braithwaite

Minnesota Virtual Academy

Career Field: IT

Grade: 10

Hobbies: Arduino, rock climbing, graphic design, reading, and animation

I chose information technology because I enjoy problem-solving and working with computers. Often while programming and working with technology, I encounter problems that need to be solved by developing a strategy and efficient method. Through the Information Technology pathway, I get to exercise and express my creativity and problem-solving skills. Stride Career Prep has made the IT pathway an incredibly fun experience.


Fall 2021 Cohort

Olivia Castillon photo

Olivia Castillon

Minnesota Virtual Academy

Career Field: Undecided

Grade: 10

Hobbies: I like reading, playing sports, running, hanging out with friends and family, baking, playing with my dogs, watching movies, etc.

I have had a dream to become a detective for as long as I can remember. Working to solve crime and improve the community I live in seems like such a fulfilling and rewarding job. I would be giving justice to the families of victims and preventing further crimes from happening. If I decide not to become a detective, I would like to work in the medical field.  


Brayden Robinette photo

Brayden Robinette

Minnesota Virtual Academy

Career Field: Health and Human Services

Grade: 10

Hobbies: Baking, cooking, traveling, and biking

I chose Health and Human Services mainly because I want to go into the medical field. Digging a little deeper into why I’ve chosen this pathway, I am compassionate and enjoy caring for the people around me. I always want to see the people in my community healthy. I love helping people! 


Tayler Nickerson photo

Tayler Nickerson

Minnesota Virtual Academy

Career Field: Still Deciding

Grade: 10

Hobbies: Baking, reading, writing, researching/learning, riding horse, doing chores

I am still between two pathways: either journalism or crime scene investigating. Both interest me deeply, I love politics and writing so that is part of my obsession with journalism. I also love true crime, learning about forensic science and that is why I am also very intrigued by CSI.


Aleena Polanco photo

Aleena Polanco

Minnesota Virtual Academy

Career Field: Business

Grade: 10

Hobbies: Outside of school my hobbies are, volunteering, writing poetry, and SkillsUSA.

I chose the Stride business pathway because I felt that the classes offered would be most applicable to what I could need in a variety of jobs. Another reason I made the decision to be a part of this pathway was because I love administrational work. Joining the workforce, I aspire to be someone who takes charge and handles organizational details. I truly believe that through my pathway, I am learning the skills to meet that aspiration.


Spring 2021 Cohort

Jake Adams photo

Jake Adams

Minnesota Virtual Academy

Career Field: Business

Hi, I’m Jake! I enjoy being outdoors—boating, hiking, etc. I also enjoy hanging with family! After high school, I plan to go for a job in business, possibly accounting.


Meet the Whole Team

Meet all the members of the Student Advisory Council from K12-powered schools across the country.

Become One of Us

Interested in helping shape the future of career and college prep and making a difference for students at your school? Accept the challenge and apply to be a member of the Student Advisory Council today!