On May 15 2025, the Sacramento K-16 Collaborative hosted our second Quarterly Engaging Youth in Industry event—a vibrant gathering of community-based organizations (CBOs), K-16 partners, industry leaders, youth, and families. At the heart of this event was one powerful theme: connection.
How can we work together to ensure all youth—regardless of background or social capital—have access to high-quality career pathways? How do we make sure families are supported and empowered along the way? These are the questions that guide our work—and this event brought them to life.
Centering Youth and Family Voice
A highlight of the day was hearing from Katina and Royce Watson, a mother and son from the Sacramento region. Their candid reflections reminded us of the stakes: students and families need more than systems—they need to be seen, heard, and included. Hearing directly how our efforts impact their lives grounded the room in purpose.
Power of Our CBO Partners
We were honored to be joined by six incredible CBOs:- Sacramento Area Youth Speaks (SAYS)
- PRO Youth & Families
- Yolo County Office of Education
- Breakthrough Sacramento
- Improve Your Tomorrow
- Accenture
Building Tools for Equity
We’re also designing tools that ensure access to career planning and work-based learning isn’t limited by privilege or proximity. Every student deserves a clear pathway to economic mobility—whether through schools, industry, or trusted community touchpoints.This event was another step forward in aligning our region around equity, connection, and opportunity. We’re grateful to all who joined us—and we’re just getting started.
Let’s keep building a future where every young person has the support they need to succeed. 
