In early March, UNITE-LA supported the L.A. Region K-16 Collaborative's South Bay Subregion in hosting a summit at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), which brought together education, workforce and community leaders. The two-day event offered partners an opportunity to tackle systemic barriers in college and career pathways in the region. To start the summit, Dr. Thomas Parham, CSUDH president, and UNITE-LA's president, Alysia Bell, echoed the goals and strategies of the L.A. Region K-16 Collaborative by highlighting the need for institutions to close disconnections among families, schools and employers to support student success. Discussions centered on expanding work-based learning (WBL), increasing dual enrollment access and addressing equity gaps in health care and technical fields.

The first day saw stakeholders explore strategies such as stipends, earn-and-learn models and employer engagement to ensure students gain meaningful and economically affirming experience before entering the workforce. Key barriers identified were articulation challenges between community colleges and CSUs, financial aid limitations and the need for stronger employer partnerships. The breakout discussions emphasized solutions, including better vertical alignment for transfer pathways and expanded student supports like career mentorship, advising and industry certifications.

The second day focused on strengthening industry partnerships and enhancing dual enrollment pathways. The day featured active participation from cross-sector partners in dual enrollment and WBL strategy discussions and collaborative planning. The discussion on dual enrollment work at Hawthorne High School, part of the Centinela Valley Union High School District, showcased gold standard programming for effective dual enrollment initiatives. The work-based learning session featured Erick Briggs, CEO of Network Kinection, and focused on institutional coaching for employer engagement and internship development. UNITE-LA's Adam Gottlieb, Director of Postsecondary Policy and Strategy, concluded the summit by giving a presentation on policy updates and funding opportunities related to K-16 strategies and related work.

Overall, the summit underscored the importance of aligning K-12, higher education and workforce development to create equitable pathways that prepare students for emerging careers.