On Sept. 14, the L.A. Region K–16 Collaborative, in partnership with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), hosted Building Health Care Pathways Together, a virtual employer engagement session connecting K–16 partners with CHLA leaders to explore how education and industry can better prepare students for the region’s growing health care workforce.

Building on findings from the Collaborative’s health care labor market report, the conversation highlighted the wide range of health care careers available to students, including clinical, allied health, administrative and research roles. CHLA also shared opportunities to engage learners earlier, expand career exposure and strengthen connections between education, training and employment.

The conversation opened the door to future collaboration, with partners identifying opportunities to bring health care professionals into classrooms, create shared career exploration experiences, strengthen clinical placements and develop more coordinated pathways into health care careers.

The K–16 Collaborative will continue working with CHLA and regional partners to build on this momentum and strengthen health care pathways for students across the L.A. region.