Nearly 400 high school students explored career opportunities at GPS Your Future® Career Day

“Keep an open mind!” is the message from keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and career coach Sean Allen at GPS Your Future® Career Discovery Day on October 12 at CSU Dominguez Hills. Nearly 400 Southern California high school students took that message to heart as they explored career possibilities at the 13th annual event.

Students from 10 EXP-support high schools from LA and Orange Counties and the City of Barstow expanded their horizons in a career expo with 26 organizations and six different pathway-focused career panels. They also experienced hands-on activities in our new outdoor area with eight organizations featuring alternative fuel vehicles, STEM learning stations, and more.

“Today, I learned that I am the one in charge of my future,” said a student. The future was indeed in their hands as they mapped out their path to success with the help of nearly 150 industry volunteers and 43 panelists.

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Upcoming Event: (Re)Imagining Apprenticeships – Friday, November 17, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Are you an industry professional with an apprenticeship program or interested in starting one? Join us at (Re)Imagining Apprenticeships on November 17!

In today's dynamic workplace, industries are looking to apprenticeship programs to develop new talent and address their changing needs. Young adults are also looking for ways to upskill but are unsure where to begin. How can industry, educators, and young adults work together to prepare for tomorrow‘s workforce?

EXP is excited to partner with Vital Link to provide a FREE one-day conference for industry professionals, educators, and young adults to discover ways they can work together to develop the workforce through apprenticeships. Industry professionals with apprenticeship programs can connect with each other and meet young adults and current students interested in those programs.

(Re)Imagining Apprenticeships – Friday, November 17, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Hills Hotel (25205 La Paz Road, Laguna Hills).

Industry professionals and young adults, register below or contact daisy@expfuture.org for more info!

Register here

Partner Spotlight: First Citizens Bank

We are honored to introduce our industry partner, First Citizens Bank. Our partnership with First Citizens Bank aligns our missions to invest in communities and to prepare students in underserved communities for a better life.

This year First Citizens bank invested $10,000 in our students, to support their participation in EXP programs. In addition, Sergio Lo Grande, Financial Sales Manager at First Citizens Bank, volunteered as an exhibitor at EXP’s 13th annual GPS Your Future® Career Discovery Day. He and his team introduced students to careers in banking, finance, and business.

Thank you, First Citizens Bank, for supporting our students!

Your Support in Action

Utah Tech introduces Barstow High School students to college life

Barstow High School students received a visit from Amanda Sprayberry, Regional Admissions Counselor at Utah Tech University in September. Amanda gave students a college admissions 101 presentation, including tuition fees and what to expect from campus life.

Known for being the most affordable public university in the state of Utah, Utah Tech University offers students a variety of educational programs to choose from and partners with industries to provide students with hands-on, real-world experiences. Thank you, Utah Tech, for helping our students envision their post-secondary education!

EXP and EXP program alum represent at CVUHSD 7th annual Industry Breakfast

EXP was proud to attend Centinela Valley Union High School District (CVUHSD)’s 7th annual Industry Breakfast alongside EXP student alums, including internship alumni Daryl and Career EXPedition: Cal Maritime program alumni Yonathan. This annual event brings industries together to learn how they can partner with CVUHSD and the South Bay Workforce Investment Board to build workforce development opportunities for high school students.

Yonathan, senior at EXP-supported Lawndale High School, seized the opportunity to speak on stage and share about the hands-on learning experiences he has received through industry partnerships, including Lawndale high school’s Marine Science Academy and EXP’s Career EXPedition: Cal Maritime program.

Gardena High School Career Day was a huge success!

We are truly impressed by the diverse array of industry professionals who showed their support for students at Gardena High School’s annual Career Day this month. Students connected with professionals from various sectors, ranging from traditional to unconventional careers. They met army and marine personnel, barbershop owners, carpenters, airplane pilots, members of the sheriff’s department, and film produces, among others. Huge thanks to all the fantastic folks who showed our students a world of possibilities!

EXP's award winning Women in STEM Career Day returns February 2024!

EXP’s Women in STEM Career Day introduces high school young women to STEM-related careers. Students engage through expert panels, hands-on activities, networking opportunities, and “Lunch with a STEM Professional.” This year’s event brought together over 300 high school girls and nearly 150 volunteers for a day of career exploration and inspiration. We can’t be more excited for this award-winning event’s return in February 2024!

Sponsorship opportunities are available! For more information, please contact Jessica Ureña, Director of Development, today at jessica@expfuture.org.