Career Exploration and Discovery
Our Career Exploration and Discovery program will target and address the needs of the Latinx student population in East San Jose schools, providing them and their families access to robust career exploration and preparation opportunities.
The Problem.
There is substantial evidence that many low-income students from under-resourced schools experience little connection between school and their future career aspirations. This is a factor that directly affects their academic disengagement and is compounded by the lack of career counseling, awareness, and preparation, as well as the absence of post-high school planning.
Pursuing the Career Exploration and Discovery program is consistent with our mission to create economic mobility amongst students who otherwise head to minimum wage jobs rather than working careers that provide our students with a living wage in Silicon Valley. Our program offers the following:
Connections to Silicon Valley
LEAF presents students and parents with essential information and opportunities related to job wages and availability in Silicon Valley, specifically aimed at preventing displacement from the region and exposing students to the many economically mobile opportunities available to them.
We are building a network of Latinx professionals to allow students to develop relationships professional mentors and access the social networks necessary for career mobility.
Application Preparation & Support
LEAF supports students and their families with job application preparation and transition, including cover letter creation, resumé development, and interview preparation.
Every student in our CED Program receives a professional headshot and coaching on their online presence. LEAF also provides workshops to support students in bringing their authentic selves to the job search, honoring their identities and future aspirations.
Career Pathways Exploration
LEAF works with postsecondary institutions and centers to provide students with information on guided pathway opportunities at universities and community colleges, including certification and trade programs, degrees and graduate school, and opportunities to develop their skills and strengthen their resumés while in college.
Professional Shadow Opportunities
LEAF works with our corporate and community based partners to create meaningful internship and shadowing opportunities for student exploration alongside working professionals in multiple fields of interest such as business, healthcare, and technology. Individual coaching and advising allows us to match students with opportunities that will be most impactful and aligned with their career goals and aspirations.