Key Takeaways

• Elementary-first CCR vision: SchooLinks’ robust K‑8 features — including SEL, career exploration, and age‑appropriate college and career readiness activities — were a decisive factor for Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools in their CCR platform selection.
• RFP win through knowledge and transparency: SchooLinks’ deep expertise and responsive approach during the RFP process made the decision process clearer, faster, and more confident for district leaders.
• Smooth implementation planning: The district is moving toward an August launch with a clear, phased training timeline to ensure all elementary and middle school staff are confident and ready for day one.
• Foundation for long‑term CCR success: By introducing college and career readiness concepts in the early grades, Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools is setting a sustainable pathway for K‑12 student engagement and post‑secondary planning.

Building CCR Foundations in Elementary and Middle School

Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools, one of North Carolina’s largest districts, serves a diverse student population with unique needs across its many schools. For Patricia Durham — an educator in the district since 1996, school counselor since 2000, and now the district’s Elementary and Middle School CCR leader — ensuring that younger students are equipped with the tools, awareness, and skills to begin imagining their futures has always been a top priority.

When the district began its search for a modern, comprehensive CCR platform, they were committed to finding a solution that could meaningfully serve elementary and middle school learners, not just high school students preparing for graduation.

Winning the RFP with Expertise and Vision

The district conducted a competitive RFP process, evaluating multiple platforms side by side. Patricia recalls that SchooLinks stood out immediately during presentations — not only for its robust elementary and middle school capabilities, but also for the depth of knowledge the SchooLinks team brought to the table.

“Because of the amount of information that Jamil, the presenter, had, it made the RFP process and finding out information about SchooLinks so much easier. He was just a wealth of knowledge.”

This expertise gave the district confidence that SchooLinks would be more than a vendor — it would be a partner in building out a consistent, high‑quality CCR experience from the earliest grades onward.

Elementary Features That Sparked Excitement

For Patricia, whose background is firmly rooted in elementary education, the standout moment came when exploring SchooLinks’ K‑5 features. From interactive career exploration activities to SEL lessons and early exposure to postsecondary possibilities, the platform offered an engaging, age‑appropriate entry point into CCR.

“Being an elementary background, the biggest piece that they presented that was just like, oh, this is awesome, was all the elementary pieces within the program that really did spark my interest and really wanted me to learn more about SchooLinks.”

These tools will empower Winston‑Salem/Forsyth’s youngest learners to start envisioning their futures early — developing confidence, curiosity, and self‑awareness that will guide them into middle and high school.

Laying the Groundwork for a Seamless Launch

With the decision made, the district is moving forward toward an August launch, aligning the training timeline to ensure staff are well‑prepared before the school year begins. SchooLinks’ onboarding plan includes phased rollouts and training that meet educators where they are, allowing them to become confident users at a sustainable pace.

The vision is clear: introduce students to a cohesive, engaging CCR journey starting in elementary school, supported by educators who feel equipped and empowered to integrate these tools into daily practice.

Looking Ahead

For Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools, SchooLinks represents more than a software solution — it’s the foundation for a district‑wide CCR culture that starts earlier, engages more deeply, and supports students all the way through graduation and beyond.

By investing in elementary and middle school readiness now, the district is creating a generation of learners who see the future not as a distant concept, but as a journey they’ve already begun.

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