High school students from across Orange County connect with college representatives and arts industry professionals during the 2026 College and Career Pathways in the Arts event at Santa Ana College. The annual gathering helps students explore educational opportunities and careers in creative fields. 
A representative from an arts organization speaks with students about music and career opportunities during the 2026 College and Career Pathways in the Arts event at Santa Ana College. 
OCDE Arts Coordinator Scott Fitzpatrick welcomes more than 650 students and educators to the third annual College and Career Pathways in the Arts event at Santa Ana College in January 2026. 
A college student demonstrates drawing techniques for a visiting high school student during the 2026 College and Career Pathways in the Arts event at Santa Ana College. Hands-on activities gave participants a closer look at creative disciplines and potential career paths. 
A high school student explores the piano lab at Santa Ana College during the 2026 College and Career Pathways in the Arts event, which introduced students to opportunities in music, performance and other creative fields. 
OC high school students learned about the basics of film studies and production from Santa Ana College Digital Media Department Co-chair Michael Taylor at the College and Career Pathways in the Arts event Jan. 28. 
Representatives from Orange County arts organizations, including OC Arts and Disability, lead a panel discussion about careers and professional opportunities in the arts during the 2026 College and Career Pathways in the Arts event at Santa Ana College.
Quick look: The Orange County Department of Education will host its fourth annual College and Career Pathways in the Arts event Jan. 14 at Irvine Valley College, connecting high school students with colleges, universities and employers to explore opportunities in the arts, including arts education, design, performance and technical production.
For Orange County high school students who love music, theater, visual arts or digital design, figuring out how to turn those interests into a college major or career isn’t always straightforward.
The Orange County Department of Education is helping students explore those possibilities through its fourth annual College and Career Pathways in the Arts event, scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 14, at Irvine Valley College.
The free event, running from 9 a.m. to noon, will bring together high school students, educators, colleges, universities and arts industry professionals to explore career opportunities, educational pathways, financial aid, internships and paid apprenticeships.
Last year’s gathering at Santa Ana College drew more than 650 high school students and educators, while more than 200 students from six high schools have already registered for the upcoming event. Fifteen colleges, universities and prospective employers have also signed up to participate.
“Each student’s creative voice is needed in the creative economy, in both the professional and the educational fields,” said Scott Fitzpatrick, OCDE’s arts coordinator. “This event is intended to encourage high school students to take the next step in their educational and professional journeys in the arts.”
Exploring what’s possible
Launched by the Orange County Music and Arts Administrators coalition in response to Proposition 28, the event was originally designed to introduce students to careers in arts education as schools prepared to expand their programs.
Over the past four years, it has grown to include a wider range of creative professions, from photography and video game development to technical theater and arts administration.
The first gathering, hosted by Saddleback College, focused largely on information booths and conversations about the growing need for arts educators. Subsequent years brought breakout sessions on audition preparation, portfolio development, financial aid, internships and apprenticeships.
At last year’s event at Santa Ana College, students had opportunities to hear from video game industry professionals, including representatives from Blizzard Entertainment and Riot Games, about career preparation, networking and entering the field.
For the 2027 event, Irvine Valley College will welcome participants to its new Performing Arts Center, where students will have opportunities to explore the college’s technical theater facilities, including its video wall and scene shop, and learn about careers involving stage production and costuming.
Representatives from UC Irvine’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts, Chapman University, Vanguard University, Concordia University Irvine, Laguna College of Art + Design, Santa Ana College, Cypress College and Saddleback College, Irvine Valley College are among those expected to participate.
The California State Summer School for the Arts, Art-E Foundation, Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Pacific Symphony are also planning to attend, with additional participants expected to join in the coming weeks.
Building pathways for future arts professionals
The event comes as California schools continue implementing Proposition 28, which provides ongoing funding to expand arts and music education in public schools. Fitzpatrick said the funding has also highlighted the need to introduce students to careers in arts education and the broader creative industry.
Interest in building those pathways is growing beyond Orange County. Fitzpatrick has shared the event’s approach at statewide gatherings, including an arts education leadership summit presented by Disney Live Entertainment and the California County Superintendents Arts Initiative, and said other counties are beginning to explore similar opportunities.
For students, the Jan. 14 event offers a chance to meet professionals, ask questions and discover college and career options they may not have previously considered.
How to participate
Orange County high school students, parents, teachers and administrators are invited to attend the free event from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 14, at Irvine Valley College.
High school teachers can register to bring students to the free event. Space is limited, and participating schools are responsible for transportation and student permission forms.
Colleges, universities and prospective employers can also register to host free information booths and share educational and career opportunities with students.
For additional information, contact OCDE Arts Coordinator Scott Fitzpatrick at stfitzpatrick@ocde.us.