We already know that Orange County is a diverse and dynamic region with the human and economic potential to lead the nation in college and career readiness and success.
Well, a sizable grant from the California Career Pathways Trust is poised to advance that vision.
Last year, the California Department of Education awarded the Orange County Career Pathways Partnership a $15 million grant to create a countywide infrastructure to expand career pathways for students from kindergarten through college. Led by the Orange County Department of Education and Saddleback College, OCCPP represents the largest regional consortium in the state.
The goal of OCCPP is to make career pathway programs accessible to Orange County students from all academic and socio-economic levels. Students will participate in career exploration and on-the-job training that prepares them to earn certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and advanced degrees in three target sectors: health care/biotechnology; engineering/advanced manufacturing and design; and information communication technology/digital media.
Students will need to master subjects at the same level of rigor as those entering a traditional university system. The programs will also align career courses with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); California academic standards; and Career Technical Education Model Standards, linking the content to industry needs.
OCCPP will provide courses and learning experiences that produce high school graduates capable of securing high-skill, high-wage jobs.
Expect to hear more on this topic soon.