What's Working

Loma Linda University campus on April 22, 2024. Photo by Jules Hotz for CalMatters

Economy

Inland Empire battles low college grad rates to gain higher tech jobs and businesses

The region battles smog, traffic and other pitfalls. But its leaders see growth opportunities beyond the warehouses.

By Deborah Brennan • May 14, 2024

California Divide

Disconnected youth: Some young Californians lack work, school options

A new study says California's “disconnected youth” are being left behind.

By Felicia Mello • May 10, 2024

The Port of Los Angeles on Nov. 21, 2022. Photo by Damian Dovarganes, AP Photo

Commentary

How California is building career pathways to its next big economic sector: the ocean

The so-called "blue" economy is one of the fastest growing economic sectors in California. The state's community colleges have aligned with businesses to prepare the next generation of workers.

By Sonya Christian and Terry Tamminen • May 10, 2024

Sophomore student Brianna Ramirez adjusts a halter on a horse named Chewie at the Madera South High School 20-acre farm on April 2, 2024. Students raise livestock and grow oranges, corn, and pumpkins for school lunches and for the community as part of the school’s agriculture pathway, one of thousands of career-focused courses in California high schools. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

K-12 Education

More California high school students want career training. How the state is helping

More of the state’s high school students are enrolling in career pathway programs for skilled, high-wage jobs.

By Carolyn Jones • April 29, 2024

Economy

How some programs help with post-prison life: ‘I’m signing checks. This is crazy.’

Anti-recidivism nonprofit helps formerly incarcerated people start businesses and get tech jobs.

By Levi Sumagaysay • April 24, 2024

Economy

California to expand re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. Here’s how they work

State touts transitional programs that aim to help individuals become self-sufficient after they leave prison.

By Levi Sumagaysay • April 24, 2024

California Divide

California may gut two CalWORKS programs helping thousands of families

The state is considering zeroing out funds for CalWORKS family stabilization and job subsidy programs to help balance the budget.

By Justo Robles • March 29, 2024

California Divide

L.A. promised to hire 200 Black workers from a job training program. That hasn’t happened.

An LA partnership that is supposed to place 200 Black trainees in city jobs is falling short. One worker whose desk job offer was revoked was told to try sanitation.

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde • March 28, 2024

High school senior Catalina Govea, 17, helps a fourth-grade student at Linden Elementary School in San Joaquin County as part of a youth apprenticeship program on March 5, 2024. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for CalMatters

California Divide

These gigs offer paths to higher wages for young Californians. Now they’re facing budget cuts

California seeded a program to place thousands of young people in apprenticeships. Just as it’s starting, a state budget deficit may delay funding.

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde • March 11, 2024

Students prepare potatoes to make Potato Chateau in the Hospitality Training Academy class on Feb. 13, 2024. Photo by Zaydee Sanchez for CalMatters.

Economy

Academy with millions of dollars in government funding helps hospitality workers get better jobs

The Hospitality Training Academy in Los Angeles gets funding from state and federal sources and helps many workers get better careers.

By Levi Sumagaysay • February 27, 2024

What’s Working