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Economic Development

3rd Annual Promise Zone Youth-Led Career Expo

Career Expo Banner Final

The San Diego Promise Zone is hosting its annual Jobs and Education signature event "Your Future, Now: A Youth-Led Career Expo." The event is for young people ages 16 to 24 who live or go to school in the San Diego Promise Zone.  Youth may discover their passion, gain insights from industry professionals, and connect with peers who share similar aspirations.  This event is all about empowering youth and young adults to shape their future and will include resume-building and mock interview practice opportunities.  Please consider participating as a student, vendor, or sponsor!

Individual Registration

      School Registration   

Date and Location

Tuesday, March 18, 2025
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Balboa Park Club
2150 Pan American Rd, San Diego, CA 92101


Vendors

Are you an employer or job readiness resource? Participate in the Vendor and Resource Fair portion of our event! For more information reach out to Operations Associate, Donika Moreno, donikam@sandiego.gov


This Year's Vendors (as of 3/3/2025)

Employers:

  • Bill Howe Family of Companies - The Bill Howe Family of Companies offers many different career opportunities. As a team member, you will enjoy the many perks of working for San Diego’s largest building maintenance, repair service company. If you want to work for an organization that values their employees, has job security, growth opportunities, competitive pay with benefits, join our team!
  • California Department of Transportation - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) manages a world class transportation system that connects the people and regions of our state. We play a significant role in making our economy the 8th largest in the world, bringing goods and services to California’s customers. Caltrans directly manages more than 50,000 lane miles of State and federal highways, as well as 12,000 highway bridges; permits more than 400 public-use airports; and operates three of the top five Amtrak intercity rail services. Caltrans is always seeking qualified individuals to help with a wide variety of duties. Our goal is to promote a positive work environment and encourage innovation and creativity. We encourage you to look at our current job vacancies and find what best fits your skill set.
  • Caltrans District 11 - Caltrans manages more than 50,000 miles of California's highway and freeway lanes, provides inter-city rail services, permits more than 400 public-use airports and special-use hospital heliports, and works with local agencies. Caltrans carries out its mission with six primary programs: Aeronautics, Highway Transportation, Mass Transportation, Transportation Planning, Administration and the Equipment Service Center.
  • City of San Diego, Parks and Recreation Dept - The Parks and Recreation Department offers entry-level internships (paid and unpaid), part-time summer, and full-time employment opportunities in the areas of recreation, park maintenance, and administration. Work sites exist all throughout the City of San Diego, from San Ysidro/Otay in the south, to Rancho Bernardo in the north.
  • City of San Diego, Personnel Department - The City of San Diego is a dynamic and diverse municipal employer dedicated to serving the community with integrity, innovation, and excellence. As one of California’s largest cities, we offer rewarding career opportunities across a wide range of departments, providing competitive benefits, professional growth, and the chance to make a lasting impact. Committed to diversity, sustainability, and public service, we foster an inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. Join us and be part of a team that helps shape the future of America’s Finest City!
  • City of San Diego, Police Department - Join the SDPD team for a career that offers excitement, rapid growth opportunities, work-life balance, and the chance to make a positive impact in your community.
  • Electrical Training Institute - We are the IBEW electrical apprenticeship program, the information hub where you earn while you learn. Join us at ETI where you can earn a wage and build your career while receiving FREE College credits!
  • Family Health Centers of San Diego - The reward of working at FHCSD is more than a paycheck and excellent benefits; it is the impact and contribution to the San Diego community that employees value most. If you are passionate about improving the overall health and livelihood of your community, FHCSD is looking for people like you.
  • Goodwill Industries of San Diego County - Goodwill Industries of San Diego County- Our mission is to provide employment and training opportunities to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Our Core Values: Credibility – As an organization, we do what we say we will do. Creativity – We are willing to try new ideas in order to improve any aspect of the organization. Collaboration – We are different people, with different skills, who work well together to get the job done. We are 100 percent local and 100 percent not-for-profit. All of our programs and services are provided at no cost to all San Diego County residents.
  • Hawthorne Cat - The Hawthorne Technician Apprenticeship Program (HTAP) teaches you how to service Cat equipment using cutting-edge diagnostic and maintenance systems, advanced technologies, and high-tech tools. The four-year apprentice program combines on-the-job training at Hawthorne Cat with college-level diesel technology and general education coursework at Miramar College.
  • Kitchens for Good - Kitchens for Good is a tuition-free apprenticeship program that gets people connected with jobs in the restaurant industry. Through classes that cover hard and soft skills and on-the-job training, Kitchens for Good helps individuals find their success in the restaurant industry.
  • Laura Rodriguez Medical Assistant Institute - Laura Rodriguez Medical Assistant Institute is a training and education program of Family Health Centers of San Diego. It is designed to prepare members of the community for an entry level in healthcare as medical assistants in a variety of healthcare settings.
  • San Diego Building & Construction Trades Council - Empowering local communities, we are dedicated to advocating for workers' rights, enhancing safety standards, and building a brighter future through collective action and industry excellence.
  • SeaWorld San Diego - SeaWorld & Sesame Place San Diego are part of United Parks & Resorts™, a leader in theme parks and animal conservation. We inspire guests through thrilling rides, up-close animal encounters, and world-class entertainment while promoting wildlife education and rescue efforts. With a commitment to animal care and environmental stewardship, our parks create unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages. Join our team and be part of a mission that makes a difference!
  • U.S. Army Recruiting - Connecting talented individuals with career opportunities in the U.S. Army. Offering full-time and part-time positions.
  • U.S. Coast Guard - The Coast Guard is America’s premier Maritime Law Enforcement Agency. We are part of the Department of Homeland Security team protecting our nation and are at all times a military service and part of the joint force defending it.
  • U.S. Navy - The US Navy provides opportunities for youth to pursue many careers paths as well as apply for scholarships to pay for school and enter the Navy as a commissioned officer.
  • Western States Regional Council of Carpenters - We work with developers and elected leaders to raise the standard of building and living for all workers. The Carpenters Apprenticeship is a "Debt-Free-Pathway" to good pay and college credit. 

 

Job Training & Career Readiness Resources:

  • Black Tech Link - Black Tech Link is a San Diego based nonprofit that supports students, professionals, and entrepreneurs Identify careers in STEM. Through our Youth STEM & Robotics Program we support students ages 12 - 18 in developing their knowledge of technology and career opportunities available for them.
  • Computers 2 Kids - Nonprofit organization that refurbishes and provides computers to low-income families at affordable fees.
  • CREATE Career Pathways Program (CPP) - This FREE ONLINE program is available for all 9-12th San Diego and Imperial County high school students looking for support exploring and planning their career trajectories with a special emphasis on Engineering, Computing, Health, Business, and Education industries. We also offer experiential “Choosing a Career” series at UC San Diego.
  • GRID Alternatives - GRID Alternatives is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic and environmental justice through renewable energy. Their Installation Basics Training (IBT) 200 program offers a free, 200-hour, five-week training designed to equip individuals with the skills needed for entry-level solar installation jobs. The curriculum includes hands-on experience in array installation, commissioning, and operations and maintenance, as well as safety and employment readiness training. Upon completion, participants receive certificates for IBT, OSHA-10, and CPR/First Aid.
  • HomeAid San Diego - The HomeAid WORKS (Workforce Opportunities for Rebuilding through Knowledge and Skills) Program was developed to offer a solution to address the critical labor shortage in the home building industry by providing technical construction training, education and job opportunities for at-risk youth, men, women, and veterans who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness or exiting homelessness.
  • Junior Achievement of San Diego County - Junior Achievement of San Diego County (JA San Diego) inspires and prepares young people to succeed in the global economy. JA San Diego provides experiential learning programming centered around workforce development and financial literacy in the K-12 space and beyond.
  • MAAC - MAAC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities across San Diego County through advocacy and high-quality programs in economic development, education, health, housing, and social services. For over 50 years, MAAC has empowered individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency, fostering a brighter future through comprehensive support and community-driven solutions.
  • Mid-City CAN - Mid-City CAN is a community-driven organization focused on improving transportation, empowering youth leaders, advocating for juvenile justice, providing health resources, and building community power.
  • Outside The Lens - Outside The Lens in San Diego is a nonprofit organization that provides media arts education to underserved youth in the San Diego community. Our pioneering Media Makers program specifically serves young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • San Diego City College Outreach - Tabling to provide general information on San Diego City College. Will provide flyers and swag to participants.
  • San Diego College of Continuing Education - San Diego College of Continuing Education is a public, noncredit educational institution in San Diego, California. It is part of San Diego Community College District along with three two-year community colleges: San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, and San Diego Miramar College.
  • San Diego Job Corps - Choose your path, and San Diego Job Corps will provide you with free career training so you can gain the skills and tools you need to be successful.
  • San Diego Workforce Partnership - San Diego Workforce Partnership’s Population Specific Youth Programs team helps youth build career development skills, gain workplace readiness, and access paid opportunities. We provide guidance, training, and connections to help young people explore career paths, develop professional skills, and secure meaningful work experiences that set them up for success in the workforce.

Volunteers

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help create a welcoming and engaging experience for youth. We are looking for support in roles such as: greeters to welcome and check in attendees, set-up and clean-up crews, guides to direct participants and answer questions, mock interviewers, resume builders and networking supporters to provide job readiness support and help youth confidently connect with professionals, and engagement ambassadors to encourage participation. Volunteers must attend a 30-minute Zoom training on Wednesday, March 12 at 3 pm.

Sponsors

Does your company share our passion for connecting youth to career pathways and making a positive impact in the Promise Zone? Sponsor our event! We are seeking sponsors who can contribute an in-kind donation and/or cash sponsorship to help cover the costs associated with organizing the event. In return for your generous sponsorship, we offer various promotional opportunities, as outlined in the sponsorship menu below. For more information reach out to the Promise Zone Program Manager, Amber Joy Weber, ajweber@sandiego.gov


Thank You to This Year's Sponsors

SDCOE Logo
Livewell logo
Sizzler Logo
Cal Coast Credit Union Logo
OCYS Logo
Computers2Kids Logo