Reflections from Our K–12 Convening: Collaboration in Action Across the Sacramento Region
On April 8, the Sacramento K–16 Collaborative proudly hosted our inaugural K–12 Convening at The Firehouse in Old Sacramento — a gathering designed to unite and empower K–12 leaders across our five-county region. With more than 100 attendees representing 14 districts, this event was a powerful reminder of the momentum we’re building together toward more equitable and effective education-to-career pathways.
From career and college counselors to district administrators, dual enrollment instructors, and data and technology specialists, our participants represented the full spectrum of K–12 roles that are directly connected to the Sacramento K–16 Collaborative’s mission. Alongside our K–12 colleagues, we welcomed regional partners from UC Davis, Sacramento State, Los Rios Community College District, Sierra College, Roseville, and vital community organizations such as Breakthrough Sacramento, Improve Your Tomorrow, and Capitol Impact.
A Day of Strategy, Inspiration, and Connection
The convening was designed to spark shared learning, deepen district-level strategy, and energize our collective efforts around the K–16 Collaborative’s regional goals:
- Tripling the number of students earning a year of college credit while still in high school
- Expanding career pathways in high-demand industries like healthcare and engineering
- Enrolling 1,300 young men of color at UC Davis and Sacramento State by 2026
Showcasing Regional Innovation
Several compelling case studies highlighted the incredible work already underway:
- Precision Manufacturing: Roseville Joint Union High School District’s mechatronics program at Oakmont High is expanding thanks to our Accelerator Fund, connecting students to internships, college credit, and careers in Roseville’s emerging tech hub.
- Biotech & AgTech: A collaborative effort in Yolo County is paving the way for opportunity youth to access biotech careers through an innovative apprenticeship model.
- Working Lands: Nevada Joint Union High School District’s ranch agritourism pilot is merging agriculture education and workforce development with equity-driven community outreach.
- Healthcare: Marysville High School’s Project MED is guiding students through a four-year medical pathway, backed by $460,000 in K–16 funding and partnerships with UC Davis, Yuba College, and local hospitals.
Turning Data into Action
One of the most energizing parts of the day was our Data Sharing Session, which introduced a secure, student-level data-sharing model designed to give districts insights for targeted support—complete with funding to cover implementation costs. We invited district teams to think big: Which K–16 goals align with their local priorities? What data do they need to move the needle? These questions fueled rich District Strategy Breakout discussions, where teams identified next steps to translate research into results.
Building Community
We closed the day with a networking mixer, giving participants the chance to build relationships across districts and institutions. Several attendees shared that it felt like a “real moment” of alignment—a meaningful step toward a more connected and equity-centered education system.
Thank You
We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for this convening, and for the passion, insights, and dedication you bring to your students and communities every day. Together, we’re shaping a more seamless, supportive, and equitable K–16 system for all learners across the Sacramento region. You can view the full photo gallery here to relive some of the day’s highlights, thanks to Torey Phillip Studios.
Let’s keep building.
