BRIGHTFUTURES PROGRAM INSPIRES STUDENTS TO EXPLORE CAREERS AND CONNECTS THEM WITH INDUSTRY

New Career Pathways Program kicks off at Vintage High School

Napa, CA – Curiosity is the first step in learning and growth and a new program aimed at showing students career possibilities kicked-off this week when the newly equipped BrightFutures College and Career Center opened Monday in Napa, CA, at Vintage High School.

“We’re excited to open the first BrightFutures Career Center in Napa at Vintage High School. The Center will provide students a place to learn more about career pathways by meeting with employers visiting the center, either in-person or via web conference, or through workshops focused on workplace skill sets and career pathways.” says Bruce Wilson, Executive Director of the Workforce Alliance of the North Bay. “It provides students the opportunity to learn what interests them and how they might pursue their early career goals, whether through college or technical training.”

BrightFutures is a four-county youth program that provides student access to career pathway information through a network of College and Career Centers and a newly-refurbished Mobile Career Explorer, a bus stocked with everything needed to help students start their career search. The Explorer can reach students in locations that do not have a career center or counselors. The program also seeks professionals from industry to sign up as a ‘career ambassador’ and speak to classes about skills required for employment. The opportunities available are either in-person at the center or via teleconference.  The teleconference option allows the centers to scale career exposure opportunities beyond the region.  At the recent opening, students from Vintage and New Tech High had the opportunity to interview a manager from Google, Inc.

“Connecting high school students with career opportunities is critical. Once students determine which career pathways resonate with them, they can figure out what further education and/or training they will need to achieve their employment goals,” adds Barbara Nemko, Napa County Superintendent of Schools. “The BrightFutures program expands our opportunity to improve the lives and futures of Napa County’s children.”

Napa Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Rosanna Mucetti agrees with the excitement of the collaboration. “This partnership with the Workforce Alliance and the County Office of Education strengthens our College and Career Center on the Vintage campus and further increases the student access to industry,” add Mucetti. “The Vintage Career Readiness program, as well as other programs in our district, offer our students access to career pathways so they can begin their journey to future employment post school. It is extremely beneficial to our young people to hear from people from all industries, so they understand options available to them.”

BrightFutures Career Center opened Monday, February 25th, at Vintage High and can host events or workshops that serve all NVUSD high school students. For additional information on the BrightFutures Program visit the website at www.brightfuturesnorthbay.org. If you are interested volunteering to speak to the students at this location, or others throughout the county, about career pathways, you can sign up at the website as a Career Ambassador.

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 The Workforce Alliance of the North Bay leverages regional funding and aligns partners in the North Bay to ensure a skilled workforce today and in the future. Our network of career centers, employment and training initiatives, and programs result in a regional talent pool that drives economic growth for businesses and social mobility for workers and career seekers in the North Bay. If your organization focuses on workforce, education or economic development, join our collaborative efforts to elevate the North Bay’s economic status and make our region the place of choice for businesses and workers.

 The Napa County Office of Education, guided by a belief in vital partnerships and innovative approaches to learning, provides academic services and enrichment opportunities for students, teachers and the community, as well as critical business services for school districts. NCOE is a leader in the dissemination of research-based best practices to educators locally and statewide. Visit napacoe.org to learn more.

 Established in 1965, Napa Valley Unified School District serves the communities of American Canyon, Napa City and Yountville.  The district is comprised of 30 schools serving more than 17,000 students in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through Grade 12.