Systems Change Highlights: L.A. Region K-16 Collaborative’s Progress in Strengthening Education and Workforce Pathways

As the L.A. Region K-16 Collaborative convener, UNITE-LA made significant strides in 2024 to strengthen education and workforce pathways in health care, engineering and computer science and to reinforce regional collaborative efforts to support student success. From formalizing and launching the Stewardship Group to leading four Communities of Practice and an inaugural Healthcare Regional Advisory, the Collaborative anticipates increased alignment in education and workforce strategies in 2025 with new state funding secured through the Golden State Pathways Program.

The Collaborative’s Stewardship Group, formalized in June, convened four times in 2024, bringing together more than 40 leaders representing K-12 and higher education institutions, local employers, civic offices and community-based organizations. Stewardship Group members, representing K-12 and higher education institutions, local employers, civic offices and community-based organizations, convened to align regional priorities with their organizational structures, developing and refining strategies to advance the Collaborative’s objectives.

The L.A. Region K-16 Collaborative also hosted four Communities of Practice (CoPs) to foster collaboration among practitioners and address systemic challenges in transfer pathways, dual enrollment and work-based learning. The CoPs provided structured spaces for more than 120 practitioners to share strategies, align efforts and tackle barriers impacting students. One standout CoP, hosted by Long Beach City College, highlighted successful campus initiatives enhancing transfer pathways. Participants discussed systemic barriers such as dual enrollment credit recognition and navigating IGETC versus core course sequences. Discussions emphasized the importance of collaborative approaches to addressing racial and gender disparities in postsecondary attainment and facilitating smooth student transitions.

In November, the Collaborative hosted its inaugural Healthcare Regional Advisory event, convening more than 50 attendees to examine challenges and opportunities within the health care industry, guided by LAEDC’s presentation on labor market trends. Key takeaways included the importance of equitable access to innovative training pipelines, skills-based curriculum development and academic pathways aligned with evolving workforce demands.

Looking ahead, UNITE-LA will continue to support K-16 Collaborative partners as they implement their Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP) plans. Collectively, our partners have secured $84 million in GSPP awards, including $3.8 million in planning grants, $75.6 million in implementation grants and $5 million in consortium grants. Funds will align workforce development strategies with state investments to ensure academic and career readiness for students.

For more information, please reach out to Andrew Giang, Manager of Postsecondary Systems & Policy, at [email protected].

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