Looking at the road ahead with CEO Mary Tran
A Message from EXP CEO Mary Tran
As I step into my new role as the CEO of EXP - the opportunity engine, I am overflowing with gratitude and enthusiasm for the path that lies ahead. This summer, EXP achieved significant milestones. 78 students completed a paid internship through the EXP Internship Program: Powered by Prologis hosted across 36 sites from LA to Barstow. 18 students excelled in a 1-week Career EXPedition: Cal Maritime immersion program, gaining hands-on training, exploring maritime careers, and earning industry certifications. EXP also launched the Level Up Summer Series, offering free workshops and networking for young adults ages 18-24.
As we embark on a new school year, the lingering impact of the pandemic reminds us of the pivotal role we play in guiding our students forward. In the face of adversity, we remain forward-focused and steadfast in our mission: to help young people gain experience, unlock doors, and build the confidence they need to succeed in school, career, and life.
EXP’s dynamic approach to college and career education, coupled with our robust mentorship programs and community network, serves as a beacon of hope for our students. EXP has increased our commitment to social-emotional learning to address our students’ social and emotional well-being. We ensure a holistic approach to their growth and development by meeting our students where they are.
Our success is a testament to the transformative power of education and industry partnership. Through your commitment to EXP, we have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students. I’m excited to build upon our collaborative efforts, confident that together, we can create a positive change that will shape the future of EXP and the community we serve.
I am reminded of a quote by Helen Keller: “Alone we do so little; together we can do so much. “
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our shared vision. I look forward to the road ahead and the incredible milestones we will achieve together.
GPS Your Future® Sponsorships Now Available
Partner with EXP to help 500+ high school students discover their dream careers!
Sponsorship opportunities are now available for EXP’s 2023 GPS Your Future® career discovery event on Thursday, October 12 at CSU Dominguez Hills. This is an ideal opportunity to place your business in front of more than 500 students from underserved communities across Southern California.
Sponsorship benefits include:
Expo Hall or Outdoor Interactive Area. Inspire 500+ youth and fuel their career discovery. Plus, an opportunity to add promotional items in student goodie bags.
Industry networking opportunity. Enjoy a pre-event breakfast with other sponsors, educators, and industry and community leaders. (Destination and Navigator sponsors only.)
Recognition in the event program, website, and e-blasts.
For more information, please contact Jessica Ureña, Director of Development, at jessica@expfuture.org.
Partner Spotlight: Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation
With a shared commitment to serving youth, specifically in Long Beach, the Miller Foundation has been our partner since 2021. Their support enables us to offer opportunities to our students in Long Beach, including attending GPS Your Future® and Women in STEM career days, participating in the Young Fellows Program, and providing a record number of classroom speakers.
“The Miller Foundation is proud to support organizations such as EXP that empower youth with exposure to personal, educational and professional opportunities that enable them to achieve goals they have envisioned,” said Darick J. Simpson, president of the foundation. “This holistic approach to learning ensures that participating youth have a strong foundation to reach the pinnacle of success that only they can define.”
In addition to the support from the foundation, Darick is also a dedicated EXP volunteer. We could not have asked for a better partner to help us prepare our students for a better life! Thank you!
Your Support in Action
78 Students Completed the 2022-2023 Internship Program
On Friday, August 4, EXP-supported students, parents, and community members came together to celebrate the culmination of the 2023 EXP Internship Program: Powered by Prologis! These students completed the 10-month career exploration journey, professional development, and personal growth. We couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments and who they have become!
We gave special recognitions to our internship host of the year EDRAY, outstanding intern Fitzpatrick Josef Yu with the Marine Exchange of Southern California, and 11 more intern recognitions.
Thanks to the 36 host sites from LA Harbor to the City of Barstow for giving the gift of opportunity for our students to EXPand their horizons and EXPlore future possibilities.
Extra gratitude for the program sponsors: Port of Los Angeles and Prologis. Thank you for investing in our future leaders!
Gear up for LEVEL UP
We continue to grow our professional development program for young adults this summer with LEVEL UP Summer Series. Free and open to the public, this summer program combined high-impact life skills and career readiness workshops with in-person networking opportunities to help young adults find their professional strengths, improve their well-being, and boost career leadership skills.
This year’s program included:
Day of service at Urban Community Outreach, Homeless Drop-in Center in Long Beach, where participants helped with meal preparation for the homeless.
Virtual Workshop: Your Network is Your Net Worth. Chris Lam, a Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses instructor, entrepreneur, and marketing consultant, shared her personal journey in the business world and the impact networking has had on her success.
Virtual Workshop: The Power of Human Connection. Jason Lebowitz, the founder of XXO Connect, facilitated an emotional session where participants reflected on what connection means to them, and how they can cultivate meaningful connections with others and with themselves.
Thanks to our program sponsors: Port of Los Angeles, Prologis, and Loyola Marymount.
Learn more about LEVEL UP programs and check out upcoming LEVEL Up workshops here.
August is Make-a-Will Month
Did you know that only one-third of all adults in the U.S. currently have a will?
August is National Make-a-Will Month, a great annual reminder to draft or update your will and ensure your final wishes are executed correctly.
Having a will not only benefits your loved ones but is also a great way to continue to invest in your community.
Even a modest contribution, whether a fixed dollar amount or a small percentage of an estate, will ensure EXP can continue to provide career education and opportunities to future generations of high school youth in underserved communities. Consult your financial advisor, estate planner, lawyer, or retirement planning professional today.
Resources:
It only takes 20 minutes to write or update your legal will for free at FreeWill.com.
The Long Beach Community Foundation can help you be a good steward of your resources by creating your legacy and extending your value to future generations.
For more information, contact EXP Director of Development Jessica Ureña at jessica@expfuture.org.
Alesha Walker, Program Manager, Internship & Outreach
EXP Staff Update
Welcome New Team Member!
ALESHA WALKER
Program Manager, Internship & Outreach
We are pleased to welcome Alesha Walker to our team! Alesha was previously an HR Manager, Volunteer, and Intern Specialist with The Bail Project, where she designed and implemented a national internship program. Before that, she managed relationships with various stakeholders throughout Los Angeles County to organize experiential learning opportunities for youth with United Friends of the Children.
We are excited for Alesha to bring her knowledge, passion & skills to support and innovate the EXP Internship Program: Powered by Prologis.