Orange County businesses will learn how they can help equip students for careers transformed by automation, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies at the fifth annual OC Pathways Showcase.
Since 2014, the OCDE-led initiative known as OC Pathways has connected educators with industry leaders to create coordinated career paths and work-based learning opportunities for students. The showcase on Dec. 3 will highlight these efforts and promote new opportunities for businesses to partner with K-12 schools and community colleges.
The free event will be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Marconi Automotive Museum, 1302 Industrial Drive in Tustin. Representatives from the business community are encouraged to attend and can register at link.ocde.us/showcase2019.
A model of public-private partnerships
Reflecting the theme “Your Workforce is Here,” this year’s OC Pathways Showcase will spotlight the collaborative programs and innovative systems that are already shaping the region’s future-ready workforce.
It will also show how local businesses can become more involved by offering student internships, hosting workplace tours, creating externships for teachers, participating in online meet-ups or helping educators develop coursework.
“Transformative changes to our economy and the nature of work are demanding new approaches to college and career readiness,” Orange County Superintendent Dr. Al Mijares said. “OC Pathways continues to be at the vanguard of this work, bringing together schools, local businesses, colleges, universities and regional agencies to ensure that our students are empowered with the skills and competencies needed to navigate an increasingly automated world.”
Established in 2014 with a grant from the California Department of Education, OC Pathways is led by OCDE in partnership with the Orange County Regional Consortium of community colleges.
The initiative, which was honored in 2018 as a model of public-private partnerships by the Orange County Business Council, now includes 27 school districts and nine community colleges, along with scores of universities, regional agencies and industry and community partners.
For more information, visit ocpathways.com.