How can students prepare themselves for success in a world of artificial intelligence and automation?
For the past five years, OC Pathways has looked to answer that question by teaming business leaders with educators to establish career pathway programs in fields that are critical to Orange County’s economic future.
In celebration of these partnerships and their role in equipping the next generation and fortifying the county’s workforce, the fourth annual OC Pathways Showcase will feature student-led exhibits and presentations by two Edwards Lifesciences executives on Tuesday, Nov. 27.
About 250 guests from local businesses, schools, colleges and community organizations are expected to attend the event, which will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Edwards Lifesciences campus at 1 Edwards Way in Irvine. Registration is required at link.ocde.us/oc-pathways-showcase-2018.
Reflecting this year’s event theme, “Our Humanity, Our Technology, Our Future,” Edwards Lifesciences Vice President of Advanced Technology Jinny Lee and Executive Director of Global Corporate Giving Amanda Fowler will discuss their respective careers and field questions from local students. Orange County Superintendent of Schools Al Mijares and Orange County Department of Education Chief Academic Officer Jeff Hittenberger are also set to speak at the event.
“OC Pathways has contributed to the tremendous innovation happening now in Orange County schools and colleges,” Hittenberger said. “Over the past five years, the number of Orange County students in engineering pathways has increased by 140 percent, and the number of OC students in information and communications technology pathways has increased by 210 percent.”
“By forging pathways that empower students to apply their academic learning in real-world professional settings, we are finding new ways to engage and inspire students while strengthening our regional workforce,” he said.
The OC Pathways partnership now includes 27 school districts and nine community colleges along with scores of universities, regional agencies and industry and community partners. Since 2015, they have gathered each year to showcase student projects and career paths and to recognize the ways in which business partners are co-creating the workforce of the future.
For details or to register for the free showcase, click on the graphic above or visit https://link.ocde.us/oc-pathways-showcase-2018.