State superintendent highlights San Diego Unified's approach to Linked Learning

Employer leaders, school district superintendents and state policymakers attended showcase Linked Learning recently at Kearny High School in Linda Vista.

The event celebrated 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.

San Diego Unified Superintendent Cindy Marten and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson headlined the event at Kearny, where two schools have been recognized as Linked Learning leaders.

"These programs integrate academic and technical study along with work-based learning opportunities to help students follow a seamless pathway between from the classroom to college and career," said Torlakson.

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.