By Dr. Heather Contreras, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District
When families think about their child’s future, they often imagine college, a meaningful career, and the opportunity to thrive right here in our community. What can sometimes feel less clear is how a student moves from a high school classroom to that future career. As educators, it is our responsibility to make that path clearer.
Recently, Pajaro Valley Unified School District convened educators, higher education leaders, and regional employers for our K-16 Health and Engineering Advising Summit.
While the title may sound technical, the purpose was simple and powerful: to ensure that students understand their options early, receive strong guidance along the way, and can confidently pursue careers in high-demand fields such as healthcare, medical technology, and engineering.
Why does this matter? Let me tell you, because opportunity should not depend on guesswork.
Too often, students, especially first-generation college students, navigate complex systems without a clear map.
They may not know which courses align with a future major, how to transfer efficiently, or what credentials employers are looking for. When education systems operate in silos, students can lose time, momentum, and confidence.
We are working to change that! By bringing together PVUSD counselors, Cabrillo College, UC Santa Cruz, CSU Monterey Bay, and regional industry partners, we are aligning advising practices and strengthening transitions between high school, college, and career.
We are also collaborating on dual-enrollment pathways that will allow students to begin career-aligned college coursework while still in high school.
This is not about steering students into one specific path. It is about ensuring that every student, whether they choose a four-year university, community college, technical certification, or direct workforce entry, understands their options and has the support to succeed.
It is also about our community’s future.
Healthcare providers, engineering firms, and technology companies across our region need a well-prepared workforce. By building strong local pathways, we create opportunities for students to pursue meaningful careers close to home, strengthening families and our local economy in the process.
The work ahead is ongoing. A summit is a starting point, not a finish line. Sustained collaboration, continuous improvement, and open communication among partners will be essential.
But what gives me confidence is the shared commitment I saw around the table: educators and employers united by a belief that our students deserve clarity, access, and opportunity.
In the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, we are not waiting until students graduate to talk about careers. We are building those pathways while they are still in school.
Our students deserve nothing less.