College & Career Readiness

Building San Diego’s Future with Local Youth

Over 60% of local jobs require some level of post-secondary education. Studies show that preparation for college or career must begin in high school to ready students for real-world careers. Our students must graduate with the tangible, 21st-century skills they’ll need to be successful in their career of choice.

But many of our students aren’t prepared, and they’re missing out on local opportunities. A recent San Diego Chamber of Commerce report found that a lack of qualified workers is the main obstacle for local hiring. Unless local workers get the qualification the labor market needs, over 29,000 jobs will remain unfilled in top middle-skill jobs annually.

Advancing San Diego

College graduates who have had a paid internship and received a full-time job offer usually earn a higher salary than a graduate with an unpaid internship.*

In 2019, JPMorganChase announced a $3 million investment in San Diego through its Advancing Cities initiative. Through this initiative, United Way of San Diego County is a partner with the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, San Diego Workforce Partnership, San Diego and Imperial Counties Community College Association, and the City of San Diego to build a strong pipeline of local talent, build the capacity of small businesses, create economic equality, and drive inclusive growth.

For more information about Advancing San Diego, contact James McConchie, Data and Evaluation Manager:

Change a Life Today

As long as poverty, injustice & inequality persist, none of us can truly rest. It doesn’t take much to change a life. Get in touch today and start making a difference.