In his January budget draft, Governor Newsom called for a multi-year extension of the Regional K-16 Education Collaborative Grant Program—a move that would sustain and strengthen the work of 13 collaboratives across California, including the L.A. Region K-16 Collaborative. This proposed extension not only reflects the growing impact of the program but also opens the door for deeper alignment with statewide workforce and economic development efforts.

As the convener of the L.A. Region K-16 Collaborative, UNITE-LA has engaged with partners in our region and conveners of the other regional collaboratives to devise advocacy efforts that support the governor’s proposed extension. In extending the grant program, the proposed language also serves to better align the regional K-16 collaboratives with the California (CA) Jobs First Initiative.

CA Jobs First has been organized across the state to help create, attract and increase access to good paying jobs. This initiative, which operates across the state’s unique regions, advances community-led strategies that center equity and innovation in aligning sectors to create economically relevant career pathways. Aligning these two initiatives and extending time to formalize stronger partnerships positions K-16 collaboratives to develop talent pipelines in accordance with Jobs First goals, streamlining program development and skills building to meet employment demand.

As this extension moves through the budgetary cycle, past the May Revise and into the final budget this summer, UNITE-LA and partners will continue to advocate for its extension and build awareness and consensus around the benefits of the program and how it supports other state and regional student success efforts.

If you or your organization are interested in advocating for this extension, please contact Adam Gottlieb for a copy of the L.A. region advocacy letter to sign and send to our state leadership.