The Tri-Valley is known as an innovation hub that supports a variety of successful startups as well as established companies. The region boasts a highly educated talent base, excellent schools, engaged business groups, and active nonprofits working to support the area's economic health and quality of life. As a result, the Tri-Valley has many workforce development resources, including the Tri-Valley Career Center. Other organizations working to build a skilled talent pipeline for the future include the Bay Area Health Workforce Partnership and Association of Manufacturers Bay Area.

Pleasanton Unified School District (PUSD) offers various programs to prepare students for the workforce, including Career and Technical Education (CTE). CTE exposes students to different career pathways, helping them decide if they want to pursue those careers and choose related subjects in college. In collaboration with the Pleasanton Partnership in Education (PPIE), the City of Pleasanton, and the Chamber of Commerce, PUSD has launched a new program called "FutureScape." This program, combining "Future" and "Landscape," aims to provide guidance on different career pathways with insights from industry experts.

FutureScape Offers New Resource

"Workforce readiness is crucial because it equips individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today's dynamic job market," says Reena Gupta, an entrepreneur who helped develop the new FutureScape Talks series of public presentations as a member of PUSD's Career and Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Board. "As the landscape of work evolves with technological advancements and changing industry demands, being prepared helps individuals adapt, remain competitive, and secure meaningful employment. Additionally, a workforce that is ready for the challenges of tomorrow drives economic growth and innovation, benefiting society as a whole."

The program, open to the general public as well as to the students, was launched at Amador Valley High School with industry expert Adam Cheyer. The co-founder of Apple's Siri technology and founding member of Change.org kicked off the FutureScape series with a presentation at the first event, last August.

"I noticed that many people at my school were following paths they didn’t know much about just because it seemed like the norm. We created FutureScape to help students like myself find out more about various pathways by hearing from industry experts in those fields. We brought a few speakers last year and hope to continue it this upcoming year,” said student leader for FutureScape, Ritika Gupta.

"FutureScape is unique because it is a collaborative program with CTE designed specifically for high school students," added Ritika Gupta. "We aim to make it student-led clubs that invite industry speakers to share their insights and wisdom. This structure not only empowers students to take an active role in their learning but also provides them with valuable networking opportunities. Furthermore, FutureScape offers students real-world experience through internships, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application."

"Many might be surprised by the extent of FutureScape's industry partnerships. We are planning so more students from Amador Valley and Foothill can get involved in reaching out and connecting with industry experts," said Dr. Amos Nugent, Director of CTE, PUSD. Additionally, some might not realize the holistic approach the FutureScape program takes. That includes focusing on soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are equally critical for workforce readiness.

"FutureScape and similar programs are vital in shaping the future workforce," said Andrea Wilson, director of PPIE. "These programs are designed to develop critical skills, foster innovation, and inspire a new generation of leaders. By supporting and participating in these initiatives, communities and businesses can ensure a steady pipeline of talented, well-prepared individuals who are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow's job market. FutureScape, in particular, stands out by giving high school students direct access to industry leaders and practical experiences that significantly enhance their readiness for the workforce."

Currently, FutureScape events allow industry leaders to provide guidance and real-world insights to participants. Gupta and others are planning to develop the program further by eventually adding internship opportunities, hands-on workshops, and other projects. Such opportunities will allow participants to apply their learning in practical settings, building confidence and competence in their skills, she says.

Entrepreneurial Conference at Las Positas College

There are additional opportunities for Tri-Valley high school students to learn an entrepreneurial mindset as well. For example, Las Positas College hosted the TYE Globals high school students Conference on June 19, 2024. The all-day event was followed by the business plan pitchfest Competition at UCSC Campus in Santa Clara on June 20 and 21.

According to program officials, "TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) is dedicated to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs by creating a program for high school students to experience entrepreneurship and innovation through experiential education. With TYE, students can start on the entrepreneurship pathway to their professional careers. We envision a world where TYE Alumni are prepared and eager to participate as thought leaders, industry experts and community builders to create a more collaborative and innovative society."

Gupta, who is active in TYE Global, says the organization's events can "play a significant role in workforce readiness by focusing on entrepreneurial skills and mindset. It provides young individuals with the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, develop their business ideas, and gain practical experience in entrepreneurship. This exposure not only prepares them for traditional career paths but also empowers them to create their own opportunities, driving innovation and economic growth."

Supporters say FutureScape and TYE Global complement regional workforce development efforts by addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of the job market. "FutureScape offers targeted skill development and practical experience through student-led initiatives and industry partnerships, while TYE Global fosters entrepreneurial thinking and innovation," notes Gupta. "Together, these programs ensure that the region's workforce is not only capable and adaptable but also poised to lead in emerging industries and create new economic opportunities."

“It was an incredible experience running the conference as we were able to connect with the speakers and learn how to hold events, even when faced with challenges. We all took charge and ran the event with the help of our advisor, Reena Gupta, and I believe all the volunteers learned so much from the entire experience, from planning beforehand to executing the event. We are very grateful for the opportunity TYE Globals gave us, and hope it can continue annually,” said TYE Globals 2024 student volunteers (Neil Shah, Ritika Gupta, Apoorvaa Muruganathan, Shivansh Bansal, Arshia Mehta, Saanvi Sharma, Naisha Bhatia, Aditya Patel, Naga Hasini, Diya Prakash, Siddharth Karthik, Aarush Kaledhonkar, Amogh Chaudhary, Shounak Bhindwale).

Gupta encourages business executives to support such efforts. "By investing in programs like FutureScape and TYE Global, companies can ensure a future workforce that is skilled, innovative, and ready to meet industry demands. Supporting these initiatives also creates opportunities for companies to identify and mentor potential future employees, fostering a direct pipeline of talent that can drive their businesses forward. Moreover, corporate involvement enhances the overall impact of these programs, benefiting the wider community and economy."

For more information about Pleasanton Partnerships in Education Foundation, please visit ppie.org.

For more information about Career Pathways & Adult Learning at Pleasanton Unified School District, please visit www.pleasantonusd.net/departments/teaching-learning/career-pathways-adult-learning.

For more information about TYE Globals and its events, please visit tyeglobal.org/h21.

Photo by Ritika Gupta for first FutureScape event with Adam Cheyer