The L.A. Region K–16 Collaborative is strengthening connections between education and industry to help students better understand and access the region’s growing health care workforce. In partnership with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), the Collaborative convened K–16 partners for an employer engagement session focused on expanding students’ exposure to health care careers, strengthening connections between education and employers and identifying opportunities to build more connected pathways from learning to employment.

On Sept. 14, Building Health Care Pathways Together brought K–16 partners directly into conversation with CHLA leaders. Building on findings from the Collaborative’s health care labor market report, the discussion highlighted the breadth of opportunities available across clinical, allied health, administrative, research and other health care careers. CHLA also shared its vision for engaging learners earlier, expanding career exposure and creating a more connected continuum among education, training and employment.

The session also surfaced opportunities for continued collaboration, including bringing health care professionals into classrooms, creating shared career-exploration experiences, strengthening clinical placements and developing more coordinated approaches to connecting students with CHLA and the broader health care industry. CHLA expressed interest in continuing the conversation and exploring how these ideas can translate into future partnerships with K–16 partners.

The K–16 Collaborative will continue working with CHLA to maintain momentum, elevate partner needs and identify opportunities for deeper employer engagement. This growing partnership can help strengthen connections between education and industry and create more accessible, connected healthcare pathways for students across the L.A. region.

For more information, please reach out to Isabel Duran, Senior Manager, L.A. Region K–16 Collaborative, at [email protected].