OUR MISSION
Building Career Pathways for
San Joaquin Youth
At San Joaquin A+, we’re focused on building a future where Central Valley youth have the opportunity to do what they love and earn what they need after high school.
We connect schools and local employers to provide students with career-connected learning, professional development, and paid internship opportunities that prepare them for college and the workforce.
Our Mission
Career-Connected Learning
We work with schools to design learning experiences that connect classroom content to real industry contexts — giving students a head start before they ever enter the workforce.
Paid Internship Programs
Students earn real wages at real companies while building the professional skills that employers say matter most. More than a job — it’s a launch point for their career and financial future.
Systems-Level School Support
We partner with school districts to embed career pathways into their systems — building sustainable, equity-focused change that outlasts any single program or school year.
The Numbers Speak
Our Impact
students have participated in our programming since 2023
EMPLOYEE PARTNERS
HIGH SCHOOLS ACROSS 3 COUNTIES
student internships this summer
in student wages earned in 2023
Simple Flow
HOW IT WORKS
San Joaquin A+ builds the connective tissue between schools and employers — creating a repeatable, scalable model that prepares young people for real careers and real wages.
Schools + Employers Partner
Forward-thinking businesses and schools come together with a shared commitment — ensuring Central Valley students graduate ready for what comes next.
Students Engage in Career Learning
Students receive classroom instruction aligned to real industry needs, join job site tours, participate in employer-led panels, and develop professional skills.
Students Complete Paid Internships
Matched with local employer partners, students complete paid summer internships — gaining real professional experience and earning real income.
Region Builds Workforce Pipeline
The result is a stronger Central Valley: young people with real skills, businesses with prepared talent, and a community invested in its own future.
The Challenge
Today’s Students Need More
Than Traditional Education
The gap between classroom learning and career readiness is widening. Here’s what the data tells us.
Young adults ages 18–24 are neither working nor enrolled in school — a growing disconnect between education and opportunity.
Of Gen Z students say having a career plan before graduating is important — yet most have no structured support to build one.
Just 13% of Gen Z feel fully prepared to make career decisions after high school. Most are left to figure it out on their own.
The workforce skills gap could cost the U.S. economy $8.5 trillion in unrealized revenue every year by 2030.
Get Involved
Join the Movement.
San Joaquin A+ is building the connective tissue between education and employment. Whether you’re a business, a school, or a student — there’s a role for you in shaping the future of the Central Valley.