EXP Insider: An Action-packed Fall, Thanks to Y'all!
EXP Gets AHEAD with a $100,000 Grant
In October, EXP was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) AHEAD Program in partnership with Poppy Bank to support our mission to prepare the next generation of workforce!
AHEAD grants enable FHLBank San Francisco members like Poppy Bank to critically boost local economic development programs and projects that directly address the needs in low- to moderate-income communities.
"These grants will help boost economic opportunity and create access to vital services and support that can be life-changing for people living in underserved communities," said Eric Cicourel, community investment officer for FHLBank San Francisco. "We’re proud that for 20 years and counting, the AHEAD Program continues to make a positive impact throughout the communities we serve."
A special shout out to our board member Michelle Quevedo-Penn, who shared this highly competitive application with us!
Phineas Banning HS Robotics Program Kicked Off
After a few years of hiatus, the EXP Robotics Program has returned to Phineas Banning High School, thanks to Phillips 66 Los Angeles Refinery! The hands-on learning experience kicked off in October and will conclude in December with a competition. The first two sessions of project building have been going great so far with volunteers from P66 and AltaSea. We can hardly wait to see the final builds!
Brissa Sotelo-Vargas, Jose Pelayo, Mikle McBride, and Avin Sharma.
EXP Launched the Carol Rowen Legacy Circle with Power Breakfast
On October 15, EXP launched the Carol Rowen Legacy Circle with a Power Breakfast and a panel discussion about the future workforce, continuing the work started by our founder, Carol Rowen, 25 years ago.
The Carol Rowen Legacy Circle recognizes individuals whose generous contributions continue to support the work Carol started, bringing together industry and schools to provide opportunities for students to reach their full potential. To learn more about the Carol Rowen Legacy Circle and see if you qualify as a founding member, email Jessica Ureña, Director of Development, at jessica@expfuture.org.
Nearly 70 attendees heard from EXP alum Dalia Palsson, who shared how Carol changed her life and career trajectory before our expert panel gave us a glimpse of the future workforce.
“The population in Los Angeles is declining very quickly. We'll have fewer individuals entering the workforce, so it's very crucial that we take the steps to build pathways into careers that are going to lead to sustainable wages,” said Jose Pelayo, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). “It's a crucial component of work-based learning opportunities, starting with career awareness and starting at a very young age, as well as having the industry more involved.”
“Industry partners and business and community members need to go into school districts, work with them, and start sharing their stories with the students,” said Mikle McBride, Long Beach Unified School District. “These students don't have the one-on-one connections that would help them see all the possibilities. The number one resource that any community partner or industry can give to school is not equipment or money; it's your time and expertise because they will impact a student for a lifetime.”
“It took 60 years after the British Industrial Revolution to create good jobs. With all the technology that is happening today, we don't have 60 years to wait!” urged Avin Sharma, Port of Los Angeles. “We have to make sure that there are good, quality jobs attached to these technological changes, like clean energy, de-carbonization, and zero emission around the ports.”
Moderator Brissa Sotelo-Vargas, Valero Energy closed out by emphasizing the importance of the community. “One of the most important things for you as a business is to be in the community,” she said. “Open up your doors. Invite the community to get to know you, to know what you do. One day, these parents are going to work at your place and their child is going to be the CEO. So ask yourself, how are you connecting with the community now to create opportunities for the future?”
We look forward to bringing the industry and education together in the future!
Happy National Apprenticeship Week!
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we are excited to welcome Ariana M. as EXP Business Manager Apprentice! Currently a senior in high school, Ariana is excited to contribute to the team and develop her skills as she prepares to pursue business management. She works closely with Lisa Lampon, VP of Operations.
“This apprenticeship is an incredible opportunity, and I’m absolutely thrilled to take this next step in my career!” said Ariana. “I’m excited to learn, grow, and get one step closer to my long-term goals. The chance to work alongside such a passionate team and collaborate on impactful projects is truly motivating.”
What exactly is an apprentice?
We are so glad you asked! Please save the date, Friday, February 7, 2025, for “ICAN Expand Too: Demystifying Apprenticeships”!
Join EXP and our partners ICAN - Industry Centered Apprenticeship Network, DIAG USA, and the Orange County Regional Consortium Workforce Development Alliance for a dynamic conference to discover how on-the-job training in a non-traditional apprenticeship can help your business develop and maintain new talent. More details coming soon!
Your Support in Action
EXP Program Managers have been incredibly busy these past few months, bringing our innovative programs into the classrooms of our 14 partner schools! Below is just a sample of our very busy fall!
A Job Shadow Day at Edwards Lifesciences
In early November, students in the biomedical pathway at Tustin High School and Sato Academy of Math and Science visited the Edwards Lifesciences in Irvine. Not only did they get a tour of the facility, but they also had the opportunity to chat with inspirational professionals one-on-one.
“It was great being able to partner with EXP and local high schools to host such engaging and enthusiastic students,” said Prescott Chen, Principal Biologist at Edwards Quality Laboratories. “They all came prepared with questions about what we do at Edwards and what our backgrounds were, which made the event very meaningful in terms of our team being able to share our experiences and lessons as we navigated through our own careers.”
The insights and innovation truly inspired our students they saw firsthand—it left a lasting impression that they’ll carry with them as they explore their future possibilities. Thank you for this unique opportunity!
Industry Coaching kicked off in Barstow
EXP volunteers led Barstow High School and Central High School students through their first Industry Coaching sessions earlier this month.
Coaching isn't just for sports! Our industry volunteers help these students explore new opportunities and guide them as they turn their dreams into solid plans for college and careers.
Guest Speaker Series is in swing all across Southern California!
From Carson to Barstow, we are off to a very busy guest speaker season this year! Some of the speakers include:
Pastor Bushawn Carpenter, Total Restoration Church, Barstow
Dr. Marco Curreli, Omni Nano. (Thank you, Hitachi!)
Julie Anne Hennessy, Director for the U.S Department of Commerce, Commercial Service & International Trade
Interested in making a direct impact on our students' lives as guest speakers or job shadow hosts? Sign up here!
Save These Dates!
December 2: Giving Tuesday
January 23, 2025: The 10th annual Port of Los Angeles State of the Port Luncheon benefiting EXP and the International Seafarers Center of LA/Long Beach - Los Angeles World Cruise Center, San Pedro.
February 7, 2025: ICAN Expand Too: Demystifying Apprenticeships - Lake Forest Community Center.
Early March: EXP's Women in STEM Career Day
April 7: The Future is Working Giving Day
May 8: The 25th annual Oceans of Opportunity - Hotel Maya, Long Beach.
Thank you for your support at GPS Your Future®!
Your support made their (career) day! On Thursday, November 7, 400 high schools students from 13 of EXP-supported high schools engaged with more than 100 industry volunteers and 29 exhibitors at the 14th annual GPS Your Future® career discovery at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH).
“This program truly does help students' future by providing them with resources and speakers who are able to teach students about their career paths,” said one of our students.
Your support truly made a difference. Thank you!
