Green Skills, Bright Futures: Educating for a Greener Tomorrow

This grant project seeks to address a critical skills gap in Orange County by modernizing K12 Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways in Culinary Arts, Building and Construction, and Transportation to meet the region’s growing demand for sustainability-focused careers. Labor Market Information and the Strong Workforce Program Regional Plan highlight significant job growth in these sectors—particularly in green construction, electric vehicle technologies, and sustainable food systems—yet current high school programs lack alignment with these emerging needs. The project will integrate green energy and sustainability practices into curriculum, expand dual enrollment and articulation agreements with local community colleges, and provide work-based learning opportunities to ensure students are college- and career-ready. Special focus will be placed on closing equity gaps by increasing access and support for socioeconomically disadvantaged students, English learners, and students of color, ensuring that all students can pursue high-wage, high-demand careers in the evolving green economy. By aligning educational pathways with labor market trends and postsecondary programs, this initiative strengthens the regional talent pipeline while advancing environmental and economic goals.

This project is designed to prepare students for high-wage, high-demand careers in sustainability-focused industries by enhancing curriculum, expanding work-based learning (WBL), and supporting strong postsecondary transitions in Culinary Arts, Building & Construction, and Advanced Transportation pathways. Key activities include integrating green technologies and industry-recognized certifications into CTE courses, establishing partnerships with businesses for real-world learning, and providing professional development for instructors along with upgraded equipment. The project also emphasizes dual enrollment and articulation agreements with local colleges to support seamless postsecondary transitions. Through WBL experiences, including internships, externships, and industry projects—students will apply classroom learning in real-world settings. Partnerships with local green businesses, farms, and EV firms will ensure ongoing access to hands-on learning. Together, these strategies aim to improve college and career readiness, promote equity, and prepare students for the evolving green economy. Overall, the project aims to improve college and career readiness, increase access for underrepresented students, and build a sustainable, future-ready workforce through strong collaboration between education and industry. The project aims to integrate sustainability into 75% of CTE courses, increase student certification exam participation by 50%, and boost enrollment among underrepresented students by 20%. It also strengthens postsecondary transitions through dual enrollment and articulation agreements, enhances instructor training, and expands work-based learning with at least 10 new industry partnerships.