The Sacramento K-16 Collaborative’s Impact Report highlights how cross-sector partnerships between schools, colleges, employers, and community organizations are creating real opportunities for students. From expanding dual enrollment and strengthening transfer pathways to building career-aligned programs in healthcare, engineering, and computing, this report shows how collaboration is shaping a stronger, more equitable regional workforce, and preparing the students of today for the careers of tomorrow.

This quarter’s policy brief by Capitol Impact delves into the apprenticeship landscape. The Sacramento K-16 Collaborative can strengthen career readiness by integrating apprenticeship pathways into high school, AA, or BA degrees, connecting students directly to quality jobs, industry partnerships, and meaningful opportunities for economic mobility.

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the mechatronics pathway in the Greater Sacramento Region. It outlines the pathway from high school dual enrollment courses and community college to opportunities in university or the workforce.

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the electrical engineering pathway in the Greater Sacramento Region. It outlines key industry-recognized certifications, work-based learning opportunities, and student support services. Additionally, it details the educational pathways available—from certificate programs to associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees—offered by regional colleges and universities. The document also highlights electrical engineering career options and corresponding wage data specific to the Greater Sacramento Region.

View links below for access to dual enrollment tools for administrators at the county, district, and site level, as well as resources for students and families.

Let us know that you’re ready to explore participation in the Collaborative. Completing the Data Sharing Interest Form indicates your institution’s interest in taking the next steps.

Read the following case studies to learn some of the ways in which the data sharing agreement is currently being implemented.

This quarter’s policy brief by Capitol Impact delves into key strategies for improving access to higher education in California. It outlines the state’s approach to workforce development through the California Jobs First initiative and evaluates the progress of the Master Plan for Career Education. The brief also examines the Governor’s Proposed 2025-2026 Budget and its potential impact on education and career pathways. In addition, it provides an in-depth analysis of the state’s policies with a focus on goals related to workforce training and career readiness. Considerations are presented for the Sacramento K-16 Collaborative, highlighting opportunities for advocacy and strategic alignment with state goals to enhance career education and college affordability for all learners.

This resource presents key insights from interviews and focus groups conducted by Capitol Impact between May and October 2025 with a range of stakeholders, including students, families, educators, and employers. It highlights several challenges faced by priority student populations, particularly low-income, first-generation, and students of color. Key barriers include transportation issues that limit access to education, lack of centralized student support services, and the financial strain of affording college. Many students struggle to balance work and academic commitments, with insufficient financial aid adding to the pressure. To address these challenges, the report recommends expanding college readiness resources, improving financial aid guidance, addressing transportation barriers, and strengthening career pathways through mentorship and work-based learning opportunities. These actions aim to increase student success and equity in education.

This resource provides key insights from interviews and focus groups conducted by Capitol Impact between May and October 2025, involving students, families, educators, and employers. It highlights several challenges in the transfer process, such as complex and inconsistent systems, unclear requirements, and inadequate advising support. Transfer students often face additional barriers as they transition to four-year institutions, where they may be assumed to need less support despite their unique challenges. To improve the process, the report recommends enhancing K-12 outreach, funding community college transfer centers, standardizing course equivalencies, and increasing support for transfer students through mentoring, workshops, and tailored resources. The resource also emphasizes the importance of building community and improving institutional coordination to reduce transfer fatigue and ensure successful student outcomes.

This resource presents valuable insights from interviews and focus groups conducted by Capitol Impact between May and October 2025 with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, families, educators, and employers. It highlights key challenges in dual enrollment, including inequities in access for underserved students, isolation in online courses, and logistical barriers like transportation and inconsistent resources. Administrative barriers, such as misaligned policies and systems, also disrupt program success. To address these issues, the report recommends strengthening K-12 and community college partnerships, offering family-centered orientations, integrating career pathways, and addressing equity gaps for priority student groups.

This resource outlines critical insights and actionable recommendations gathered through interviews and focus groups with diverse stakeholders, including students, families, educators, and employers. Conducted by Capitol Impact between May and October 2025, the findings highlight several key themes essential to building strong career pathways. Notably, the importance of early career awareness and guidance is emphasized, as well as the need for stronger employer-education partnerships to ensure alignment between industry needs and educational outcomes. Additionally, the report underscores the significance of addressing equity challenges to expand opportunities for underrepresented students in STEM fields, advocating for mentorship, skill-building, and access to resources to help close gaps and support long-term career success.