On March 8, UNITE-LA co-hosted an L.A./O.C. Master Plan for Career Education regional convening with the Office of California Governor Newsom and WestEd following an executive order signed last August. More than 100 leaders from education, workforce development, government and community organizations reflected on existing challenges and ways to streamline our education system's approach to preparing students and adults for high-paying careers.

Partners at the L.A./O.C. regional convening identified primary barriers preventing Californians from learning important skills for living-wage work. The meeting was a productive space for attendees to discuss four key topics in multiple breakout sessions:

• Regional and State Coordination
• Career Pathways
• Access and Affordability
• Work-based Learning, Apprenticeship, and Employer Engagement

UNITE-LA looks forward to partnering with the state and education, workforce development and equity leaders, moving us closer to achieving our vision of a thriving region and diverse rising workforce, which experiences equitable economic mobility and well-being.

For more information, please reach out to Adam Gottlieb, Director of Postsecondary Strategy and Policy, at [email protected].