Nearly 150 educators, industry leaders and students gathered virtually to celebrate eight years of developing career pathway opportunities and programs in Orange County.
Reflecting the theme “Your workforce is here,” the 2021 OC Pathways Showcase event on Dec. 1 brought together local business leaders and young professionals who discussed the benefits of the entrepreneurial mindset, student work-based learning opportunities and the important role each plays in career development.
The event also featured a video montage exploring what career education looks like in Orange County and how pathway programs are helping students enter high-demand jobs that pay solid
wages and strengthen the local economy.
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 recently named a 2021 Golden Bell Award winner, includes 28 school districts and nine community colleges, along with scores of universities, regional agencies and industry and community partners.
For those unable to attend, a video recording of the showcase can be viewed above.