Stockton, CA — On Thursday evening, the vibrant greens of Bokisch Vineyards served as the backdrop for the celebration of the Growing Futures Initiative’s second anniversary. Spearheaded by San Joaquin A+, this initiative has significantly expanded in its second year, enhancing career-connected learning experiences across San Joaquin County.
Established in 2023, Growing Futures initially aimed to forge inclusive pathways into the region’s agricultural sector. This year, the program broadened its horizons to include industries like healthcare, education, and IT, thanks to feedback from local and regional employers, school leaders, and community partners. From its pilot phase with seven students and five employers, the initiative has impressively grown to include 33 students and 17 employers.
A Celebration of Collaboration and Growth
The event featured a series of speeches from key stakeholders, including Shayla Walker, Senior Director of Career Connected Learning at San Joaquin A+, and Neil Young, Superintendent of Lodi Unified School District. Both highlighted the collaborative spirit and the collective effort required to make such a program successful.
Walker expressed her pride in the expansion of the program, emphasizing the importance of the community’s support. "We went from one school district to five, and from five employer partners to 17. This is all because of your hard work and effort," she told the audience.
Young, on the other hand, shared his excitement about the potential impacts of the initiative on local youth. “This partnership allows our students to see their future and the opportunities that exist,” he remarked, underscoring the real-world applications of such educational programs.
Voices from the Field
The celebration also provided a platform for some of the participating students to share their experiences. High school students from Lodi USD, Ripon USD, Stockton USD, Aspire Schools, and the San Joaquin County Office of Education, who participated in this year’s program, spoke about how the initiative has shaped their perspectives and prepared them for future careers.
Elizabeth, a student speaker, detailed how the internship impacted her. "This experience taught me so much about the lifecycle of grapes, pest management, and water retention techniques in vineyards," she shared, illustrating the practical skills gained during her time at the vineyard.
Looking Forward
As the sun set over the vineyard, it was clear that the Growing Futures Initiative had laid a robust foundation for future growth. With increased employer participation and an expanding range of industries involved, the initiative is poised to continue shaping the workforce of tomorrow in San Joaquin County.
Leticia Robles, President of Pacific Homecare Services, summed up the evening with a call to action: "Let's continue to build on this success, deepening our partnerships and innovating new approaches to ensure every student has a clear and achievable pathway to a fulfilling career."
The initiative’s success illustrates a powerful commitment to community collaboration and career readiness, promising a brighter future for the young minds of San Joaquin County.
