The Spark: New Year, New Opportunities!
Lisa Lampon, EXP Director of Program Development and Strategic Initiatives
Happy New Year to our EXP program alums!
We are thrilled to launch this new year with the opportunity to bring lasting impact into our community through our young adult programs, starting with Ron Roberts’ pro tip! (See Ron’s Corner below.) In addition, we are excited to deliver our Level Up professional development workshops this spring and our poular Fuel Your Future leadership and professional skills series in the summer. But, most importantly, we cannot wait to bring you all together for networking and volunteer opportunities like last summer's beach cleanup.
But to deliver the programs YOU want, we need to hear from you! So we will reach out for your input soon! Meanwhile, please don't hesitate to email us at alumni@expfuture.org or post on our Facebook group.
Looking forward to hearing from you all!
Lisa Lampon
EXP Director of Program Development and Strategic Initiatives
Apply Now for EXP Scholarships
We are offering two types of scholarship awards in 2023—Merit and Talent. You may apply to either one or both. By completing the application, you may be eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship! Don’t wait until the last minute! Get started on your scholarship application today! Deadline to apply: Friday, February 24, 2023, at 5 p.m. Pacific Time
Volunteer Opportunities
EXP’s Women in STEM Career Day - February 24
Women in STEM Career Day is back in person on Friday, February 24, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.! We expect up to 625 young women from our supported schools across Southern California to join us for an inspirational career discovery day at Long Beach City College, Liberal Arts Campus. (Clark and E. Carson.)
Available volunteer opportunities:
Lunch with a STEM professional: Join our students during lunch to share your career journey and STEM inspiration.
General Event Volunteer: Help us with monitoring breakout sessions, escorting students around campus, etc.
Exhibitor: Ask your organization to exhibit at our outdoors career expo.
Please contact Judy Ramos, Marketing and Event Coordinator, at judyramos@expfuture.org for more details.
Save the Date: Mock Interviews - March 31
Help our future interns gain confidence and acquire interview skills they need to succeed! Join us on Friday, March 31, during a 2-hour time slot between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. to provide first-hand learning experiences to participants of the EXP Internship Program: Powered by Prologis. Please fill out this interest form to be in the loop.
Alumni Spotlight: Erick R. OjedaGarcia ‘12
Erick OjedaGarcia ‘12
Erick OjedaGarcia
Owner, OMGee PIX!
Class of 2012, Phineas Banning High School, MATCH Academy
Some of you might have seen Erick at our events, operating the OMGee PIX! photo booth, a full-service photo booth company that he started in 2018. This business is one of the many ways Erick serves his community.
But to get to today, we have to start from the beginning.
Born in Mexico and immigrated to the US at seven, Erick had a challenging childhood that led to some struggles later in high school. But then, the lead teacher of Maritime, Agriculture, Tourism, Culinary, and Hospitality (MATCH) Academy, the late Virginia Marsoobian, saw the potential in this bright troublemaker and gave him the attention, encouragement, and opportunities he needed to succeed. With her support and extra care, Erick graduated high school and went on to college.
After two years, inspired by an LAPD recruiter and a former Marine, Erick joined the US Marine Corps. Now in his eighth year in the USMC and as a sergeant, he is a skilled tactical surveillance drone operator and a recruiter serving the Southern California region. Erick earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at CSU Fullerton and is training for Firefighting Crash and Rescue with the USMC.
Through EXP’s industry connections and a little push from his USMC buddies, Erick started OMGee PIX!, serving LA and Orange County. He has donated many hours of this popular service to local organizations and EXP.
“One of my goals is to give back to the people and programs that gave me a chance and never gave up on me, like EXP and MATCH Academy,” said Erick. “I’m happy to capture the smiles and lasting memories for these future leaders that they can share with friends and families for a long time.”
Want to be featured in the next edition? Email us at alumni@expfuture.org.
EXPand Your Horizon
FedEx Air Hub Tour | January 18. 5-7 p.m.
5927 W. Imperial Hwy., Los Angeles
Join the CSCMP as we take an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the FedEx Air Hub at LAX. Attendees will get the unique opportunity to experience the evening package sorting and tour the facility. Student: $16.95. Young professionals: $32.50. Register here.
The Sports Industry Talent Incubator | Friday, January 20. 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(Attend as your schedule allows. You are not obligated to attend the entire conference!)
60+ sports industry professionals from 35+ sports organizations are already confirmed to participate in this FREE virtual conference, designed to accelerate sports career readiness for college students. Register early to receive weekly emails with event updates and valuable career intelligence on networking, mentoring, interviewing, and personal branding. Read more here.
Build California Virtual Career Fair | Tuesday, January 24. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. PT
Take advantage of this free opportunity to get your name and resume in front of California construction companies that are hiring NOW! During the event, you'll be able to explore the available information and opportunities and participate in 1-on-1 text-based chats with representatives from participating organizations. Share your background and experience, and get all your questions answered.