On Dec. 7, local industry leaders, educational institutions and more will help promote college and career programs while recognizing innovative student projects at the 10th annual OC Pathways Showcase at Orange Coast College.
After hosting the free student-focused event in a virtual format for the past three years, OCDE’s career education program will collaborate with OCC Career Advantage to provide 272 attendees and counting the opportunity to connect face-to-face with career technical education staff from OC Pathways’ educational and business partner organizations.
Themed “Your Workforce is Here,” the showcase invites OC businesses, educators and parents to explore the unique courses offered through these partnerships and learn about the impact work-based learning programs can have on students as they enter higher education and their careers. Guests can register online until the day of the event.
OC Pathways is a countywide consortium that promotes collaboration among local school districts, colleges, universities, businesses and regional occupational programs. The program — celebrating its 10-year anniversary — aims to increase work-based learning experiences for Orange County students from kindergarten to college.
High school students involved in OC Pathways’ new ambassador program will emcee the event and introduce attendees to some of the 58 career pathways available in the county while spotlighting their peers who have launched original projects through these learning opportunities.
OCDE Project Manager Julie Arias said the involvement from the ambassador program will “allow the students’ presence to be felt even more at this year’s event.”
In addition to a variety of student presentations, educators from local universities including University of California, Irvine will provide information about their work-based learning programs to potential industry partners and students.
Also in attendance will be representatives from the California Regional K-16 Education Collaborative Grants Program, which awarded $18.1 million to the regional network and initiatives led by OC Pathways’ Getting to and Through College and Career program.
In sharing these programs with local businesses, educators and families, the OCDE team hopes to show the benefits that career technical education opportunities can have for every learner.
The OC Pathways Showcase will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 7 in the College Center building at Orange Coast College. Guests can register for free until Dec. 7 via the event registration form. For questions, contact OCDE Project Manager Yusra Yousef at yuyousef@ocde.us or 714-966-4359.