Career Exploration Day

Press Release from RMC March 23, 2022

More than 100 of San Jose’s East Side Union High School District 11th-graders who are members of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics programs (STEAM) will participate in a day-long Career Day on Friday, March 25 to learn about careers in biosciences, healthcare and public service from leaders at Google, NASA and leading other companies.

A diverse range of students from San Jose’s Independence High School and the Electronics Academy at W.C. Overfelt High School will participate in breakout sessions with 15 leaders from technology, healthcare and public service organizations about potential careers and the education they need to pursue them.

“Supporting the next generation of career-minded students is an honor for us,’’ said Ken West, CEO of Regional Medical Center. “Connecting them with outstanding professionals who may help them achieve their dreams will make for a terrific day.”

This is the first in-person Career Day for ESUHSD since the pandemic began, giving students the opportunity to ask questions directly of business, education and public-service leaders, including Christine Pham, NASA Ames Research Center; Rick Nguyen, Spot Trender; and, Yuva Sharanyah Murugan, Google.

“Exposing students from San Jose’s East Side to the professional and education opportunities they have is critical to helping them model for their futures,’’ said Lorena Chavez, East Side Union High School District Board Vice President. “Having an in-person Career Day is so beneficial as it gives students time to share, discuss and meet professionals that can’t be duplicated fully with only screen time.”

Only 30 percent of San Jose students complete any post-secondary program within six years of high school graduation, according to data from the California Department of Education, San José Evergreen Community College District, and San José State University. Low-income students are twice less likely, with Latinx and African-American students three times less likely than their peers to earn a bachelor’s degree.

ESUHSD, the Asian American Women’s Alliance and Regional Medical Center are co-sponsoring the Career Day at the hospital’s main lobby and courtyard.

Thank You to our Industry Partners:

• Regional Medical Center
• San Jose PD
• San Jose Fire
• Junior Achievement
• Boy Scouts of America
• Asian American Women’s Alliance (AAWA)
• San Jose City College