OC Pathways Information

OC Pathways is committed to:Strong regional educational partnerships collaborating to create career pathways that integrate rigorous academics and career preparation, equipping students for college and career successCreating innovative college and career readiness programs that promote learning by action and reflection to motivate, inspire and prepare students for a 21st-century workforceCreating technology-rich and academically engaging learning environments where students are empowered to develop their interests, talents and skills in high-growth, high-demand careers. Creating educational opportunities that promote diversity and inclusiveness and support the needs of the regional economy and the vibrant communities of Orange CountyEngaging industry partners in the development of career pathways through participation in the design and assessment of curriculum, support of work-based learning opportunities for students and continuous professional development for educators and administratorsEngaging with local, regional, state and federal economic and workforce development initiatives to create a sustainable Orange County career pathways infrastructureAccomplishments from our first yearMore than 8,600 high school students participated in OC Pathways programs across six industry sectors. Of the 108 high school pathway programs receiving OC Pathways funding, 48 ? or 44 percent ? are newly established. Of those, 29 are in the high-growth field of information communications technology. More than 12,500 community college students were enrolled in OC Pathways industry sectors during the project's first year, earning more than 600 certificates and 85 degrees. Of the 38 community college pathway programs receiving OC Pathways funding, half are newly created. Seven of the new pathways are in the digital media arts industry sector. More than 2,500 high school students participated in one or more work-based learning experiences associated with OC Pathways. In year one, articulation agreements allowing high school students to receive community college credit for taking career technical education courses through OC Pathways programs increased by 13 percent. The University of California Curriculum Integration (UCCI) developed six new courses that combine real-world technical training with core academic subjects. Four of those meet UC and CSU admissions requirements, and two are pending approval. 124 high school students earned 304 community college credits through dual enrollment. Nearly 500 K-12 and community college educators enrolled in OC Pathways professional development sessions, with some participating in multiple sessions. OC Pathways leaders established 53 additional businesses partnerships beyond those that initially signed letters of support during the project's conception. Eight high school students from Santa Ana received stipends from OpTerra Energy Services to participate as summer interns at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. OC Pathways partnered with Nepris to offer a new technology platform that facilitates virtual mentoring and field trips in Orange County classrooms, increasing the number of work-based learning opportunities for K-12 and community college students. More than 80 teachers from diverse career technical education programs and core discipline subject areas completed a three-day summer workshop on "Design Thinking" to explore the integration of academics and career preparation. Click here to Connect with OC Pathways