EXP Insider: Looking 2024-ward to an amazing year!
Mary Tran, EXP CEO
Dear EXP Community,
As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, I am honored to share with you the incredible journey we've embarked on together. 2023 has been a testament to our resilience, dedication, and unwavering support from each and every one of you. Reflecting on the challenges we faced post-pandemic, I am delighted to report that our collective efforts have not only allowed us to rebuild but have propelled us into a phase of unparalleled momentum.
I am particularly excited to share the strides we've made in reintegrating our industry partners into the classroom. Through initiatives such as guest speakers series, reestablishing our dynamic pathway advisory boards, and fostering real-world hands-on collaboratives, their invaluable insights and industry experiences enhance our students' learning, providing them with a unique and enriching educational experience. This collaboration not only benefits our students but also strengthens the ties between academia and industry, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the professional world.
One of our accomplishments lies in the significant surge in enthusiasm and active participation among students. Notably, the number of students expressing interest in gaining practical, hands-on experience through internships has tripled compared to the previous year. This not only attests to the excellence of our program but also underscores the growing relevance and desirability of the opportunities we offer.
And finally, this school year, we took a bold step by moving our headquarters to Long Beach. This strategic move will position us to forge meaningful partnerships within the local community in Long Beach and Orange County. This is an exciting new chapter for EXP, and we look forward to the partnerships that will ignite our future.
None of our achievements would be possible without the partnerships with our educational and business partners, support from our philanthropic community, and your belief in our mission. Your dedication to our cause has been the driving force behind our success, and we express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support.
As we eagerly anticipate the new year, we are filled with excitement and optimism. The challenges we've overcome have only strengthened our resolve to create an even greater impact in the lives of our students and the communities we serve.
Thank you for being an integral part of the EXP family. Here's to a year of continued success, collaboration, and transformative growth!
Mary Tran
CEO
Change a life, host an intern this summer!
With a record-breaking number of students applying for the 2023-2024 EXP Internship Program: Powered by Prologis, we need internship host sites to provide the real-world, real work experience our students need to succeed.
By hosting an EXP intern, you can help increase their competitive advantage in the workforce and prepare them to succeed in school, career and life.
Join us at one of our virtual informational sessions to learn how to become an internship host site and what it means to take your support of our Internship Program to the next level!
Tuesday, February 13, 1-2 p.m.
Thursday, March 21, 12-1 p.m.
Volunteer opportunities are available now through May 2024
You can help our internship candidates develop valuable transferable skills at one of our career-readiness workshops at an EXP-supported high school near you, including:
Resume and cover letter writing
Interview prep
Personal branding
For more information, please contact Alesha Walker, Program Manager, Internship & Outreach, at alesha@expfuture.org.
Leap into STEM on February 29
We couldn’t be more excited for our award winning Women in STEM career discovery day to be back on Thursday, February 29 at Los Angeles Harbor College!
Over 500 high school young women and non-binary students are anticipated to attend and connect with STEM professionals from local organizations, including Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI), SpaceX, Toyota Motors North America, LA County Public Works, and more.
From exhibiting to speaking on a STEM career panel, volunteer opportunities are available. Sign up by: Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Space is limited. Email judyramos@expfuture.org for more info.
EXP 2023 interns touring the Port of Los Angeles as part of their summer workshop hosted by POLA!
Partner Spotlight: Port of Los Angeles
We are grateful and honored to have the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) as one of our founding partners!
EXP was founded in 1999 by a former POLA Harbor Commissioner to bridge the gap between the port industry's need for a skilled workforce and the local high school's struggle to graduate students. To this day, POLA has continued to be a major partner in EXP’s mission to prepare high school students for a better life.
In November, the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioner continued its commitment by approving Community Investment Grants to EXP and our community partner Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI). The two-year grant will enable EXP-supported students to prepare for a better life through career exploration and workforce readiness opportunities with a focus on the maritime and logistics industries. Thank you, POLA, for your unwavering support and commitment to our youth!
“These community investment grants represent important partnerships between the Port and the community,” said Los Angeles Harbor Commission President Lucille Roybal-Allard. Read the POLA press release here.
Welcome new board member!
DERRICK MIMS
Director of Government and Community Relations for California State University, Dominguez Hills
We are proud to welcome, Derrick Mims, to our board of directors! Derrick currently serves as the Director of Government and Community Relations for California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Derrick’s work in public service and higher education has enriched the lives of students and underserved communities throughout LA County. His previous roles include Senior Advisor to Congressman Alan Lowenthal and District Director for elected officials such as Congresswoman Maxine Waters. He also served as Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at Los Angeles Southwest College (his alma mater) and was a key administrator for the UCLA Government and Community Relations Department. Derrick’s work has resulted in increased academic student achievement, scholarships, and economic opportunity for communities of color and working families.
After graduating from Los Angeles Southwest College, he transferred to the University of Southern California where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in print journalism. We’re excited to have you, Derrick!