Quick look: The Orange County Department of Education is accepting applications from April 20 to May 22 for its 2026–27 OC Pathways Student Ambassador Program, offering students in grades 7–12 opportunities to build leadership skills, connect with industry mentors and complete real-world projects through career education pathways.
From pitching ideas to industry mentors to designing solutions for real-world challenges, Orange County students have an opportunity to take on leadership roles through the OC Pathways Student Ambassador Program.
The Orange County Department of Education is now accepting applications for the 2026–27 program, a selective leadership opportunity offered through its Career Education and Workforce Development team. The application window runs from April 20 through May 22.
Open to students in grades seven through 12 enrolled in career technical education pathways, the program is designed for those interested in representing their schools, collaborating with peers and exploring future careers.
Focus on leadership and real-world problem-solving
Student ambassadors will participate in monthly virtual leadership sessions from August through March and attend required in-person events, including a Student Leadership Day at the OCDE Conference Center on July 30 and the OC Pathways Showcase in February 2027.
A central component is the OC Pathways Impact Project, which asks each ambassador to identify a need within their school or community and design a solution with support from industry mentors.
Throughout the program, students will receive mentorship from business and industry professionals, collaborate with peers across Orange County and build a portfolio documenting their work and impact.
The application process includes a “membership pitch,” where students demonstrate their communication and problem-solving skills through a short video, written response or creative project.
Students can apply through May 22 at the OC Pathways webpage for the 2026–27 OC Pathways Student Ambassador Program. For more information, contact Nadia Khodadadi at nkhodadadi@ocde.us.
OC Pathways provides a countywide network supporting collaboration among schools, community colleges, industry partners and regional occupational programs. These partnerships create opportunities for students, from kindergarten to college, to explore careers that align with their interests and the needs of the regional economy.