Linked Learning Fall Showcase to Highlight Partnerships of Schools and Businesses

SAN DIEGO— Employer leaders, school district superintendents, and state policymakers will host a set of events across the state to showcase Linked Learning, celebrate the commitment to make Linked Learning available to students across five regions, and highlight partnerships between schools and employers to prepare California’s future workforce for job-rich economic sectors. Events will feature remarks from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, State Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg, State Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff, and others.

Momentum is growing to expand the Linked Learning approach across California. In January, 63 school districts and county offices of education were selected to participate in a State Linked Learning Pilot Program. Earlier this month, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the California Community Colleges Chancellor announced $5 million for the Linked Learning Pilot sites, matched by a $2.5 million grant from the James Irvine Foundation. The state budget recently signed by Governor Jerry Brown included $250 million for the California Career Pathways Trust, a grant program incentivizing collaboration between schools and employers to support Linked Learning pathways and provide work-based learning opportunities for students.

Reporters are invited to press conferences and to school visits at each site, which will provide b-roll opportunities and illustrate what makes the Linked Learning approach unique from other high school reform initiatives. Each regional event will include a press conference featuring high-level Linked Learning champions and students. For more information about Linked Learning, please visit www.LinkedLearning.org.

Below is a detailed agenda of event opportunities for media.