Who We Are

The connective tissue between
education and opportunity

San Joaquin A+ is a career-connected learning nonprofit serving students, schools, and employers across California’s Central Valley. We don’t just run programs — we build systems that create lasting workforce pathways for the young people who call this region home.

Our Mission

Ensuring every student has a path forward

Our mission is to ensure that all students have multiple pathways to success in life after high school — both by mastering core graduation requirements that prepare them for college and by getting exposure to real-world career opportunities.

We believe that a sustainable wage by age 26 isn’t just a goal — it’s a right. And we’re building the infrastructure to make it possible for every student in San Joaquin County.

Our Vision

A central valley where
every young person thrives

We envision a San Joaquin County where the gap between education and employment is permanently closed — where students graduate not just with diplomas, but with direction, skills, and real professional connections.

A region where employers invest in local talent, schools build lasting career pipelines, and young people have every reason to stay and build their futures here.

How We Work

Our Approach

San Joaquin A+ operates at the intersection of three interconnected systems.Our 3-ring support model ensures that progress in one area strengthens all the others.

Schools & Districts

We embed directly into school systems — aligning curriculum, providing professional development for educators, and helping districts build sustainable career pathway infrastructure.

Students

At the center of everything we do. Students engage in career-connected learning, complete paid internships, and graduate with real skills, professional networks, and a clear sense of direction.

Employee Partners

 

We cultivate meaningful relationships with local businesses — connecting them to student talent, facilitating job site tours and industry panels, and managing paid internship placements.

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Research & Data

Reports & Resources

[ Annual Report Title ]

[ Year ] — Download our annual impact report to see program outcomes, student data, and employer partnerships in detail.

[ Program Evaluation ]

Independent evaluation findings on student outcomes, employer satisfaction, and systems-level change across partner districts.

Media Kit

Logos, brand assets, photos, and press materials for media partners and community stakeholders.

In Their Own Words

Video Stories

[ Video: Katie Interview — County Office of Education ]BTI-style interview, proper lighting + staging

[ Video: Student Speaker — Program Testimonial ]Event footage or dedicated interview

The People Behind the Work

Meet Our Team

We’re a dedicated team of educators, community builders, and workforce development professionals committed to transforming how the Central Valley prepares its young people for the future.

Kai Kung, Chief Executive Officer of San Joaquin A+
KAI KUNG

CEO

Amy Zeiter, Senior Director of Operations at San Joaquin A+
AMY ZEITER

Senior Director of Operations

Shayla Walker, Senior Director of Career Connected Learning at San Joaquin A+
SHAYLA WALKER

Senior Director, Career Connected Learning

Tony Gladney, Senior Director of Engagement at San Joaquin A+
TONY GLADNEY

Senior Director, Engagement

Kara Backman, Senior Director of School Supports and Partnerships at San Joaquin A+
KARA BACKMAN

Senior Director, School Supports and Partnerships

Sabrena Hernandez, Director of Public Relations at San Joaquin A+
SABRENA HERNANDEZ

Director, Public Relations

A'Kia Walker, Director of Engagement at San Joaquin A+
A'KIA WALKER

Director, Engagement

Sydney Brown, Program Coordinator at San Joaquin A+
SYDNEY BROWN

Program Coordinator

Kayla Ortiz, Senior Intern at San Joaquin A+
KAYLA ORTIZ

Senior Intern

Ready to Be Part of What We’re Building?

Explore how you can partner with San Joaquin A+ as an employer, school, or community supporter.