EXP Insider: Back to School with Career Discovery, Job Shadows & More

Your Support in Action: Back to School

Sara Dee (right) with Gardena High School Global Business Magnet lead teacher Ms. Atkinson and Gardena HS students

The 2025-2026 school year is already off to a good start with job shadow days! A huge thank you to our partners for opening their doors and giving students a behind-the-scenes look at potential futures! 

  • Phineas Banning High School students will get to tour AltaSea next week to engage with inspiring scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs working on ocean-related solutions.

  • Later in October, Edwards Lifesciences will once again host our biomedical pathway seniors from Sato Academy of Math and Science and Vista Meridian Global Academy. Students will participate in hands-on workshops and interact with industry professionals.

If you'd like to open your doors to our students for a workplace tour, let us know here!

We’re equally grateful to our Gardena High School Global Business Magnet advisory board member, Sara H. Deen. Earlier this spring, Sara led a "Back to School" drive in partnership with For the People Task Force to provide backpacks and school supplies to students at EXP-supported schools, including San Pedro HS, Carson HS, Lawndale HS, Phineas Banning HS, and Gardena HS.

"Seeing the students' excitement for the new school year was electrifying!" said Sara. "I loved hearing students' plans for beyond graduation!"  

Thanks to her generosity, students will head back to school better equipped — and more confident — for the year ahead.

And finally, our program team has been busy across local campuses, introducing EXP programs to students in classrooms, at club rush days, and even chatting with parents at open houses. We’re excited to introduce students, families, and school communities to the work we do: connecting students with career pathways, real-world exposure, and the support they need to thrive.

Thanks to our dedicated Program Team!

Patty Negrette, Senior Program Manager

  • Barstow HS

  • Central HS

Maribel Alejandre, Program Manager (EXP Alum / Phineas Banning HS)

  • Phineas Banning HS

Trevor Amy, Internship Program Manager

Jose Benitez, Program Manager

  • Tustin Unified School District - Tustin HS, Beckman HS, Foothill HS

  • Vista Meridian Academy (Santa Ana)

Christian Douglas, Program Manager (Gardena HS alum)

  • Gardena High School

  • Lawndale High School

  • Leuzinger High School (Lawndale)

Sandra Rascon, Program Manager

  • Carson High School

Kenia Tello, Program Manager

  • Sato Academy of Math and Science (Long Beach)

  • San Pedro High School

Devyn Dupree, Program Coordinator

GPS Your Future® - October 28

For 15 years, GPS Your Future® career discovery day has helped high school students chart their career pathways through hands-on exploration, inspiration, and connection with industry leaders. (Read full story here.) On Tuesday, October 28, more than 400 10th graders will gather at CSU Dominguez Hills for a day designed to spark new possibilities.

Students will hear from keynote speaker Matt Barnes, founder and CEO of Rogue United, dive into the Bright Start entrepreneurial mindset workshop, and connect with representatives from more than 30 local and global companies during the career discovery expo.

This annual event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors, exhibitors, and partners who believe in fueling the opportunity engine. Thank you to all the companies joining us in opening doors for students!

Sponsorship opportunities are still available! To learn more, contact Jessica Ureña at jessica@expfuture.org, or click the button below.

Learn more

EXP x Panda Express: November 3

EXP is participating in a special fundraiser with Panda Express on Monday, November 3, in support of high school youth in our Barstow Program!

  • Visit www.pandaexpress.com or use the Panda Express app

  • Order for pick-up or delivery ONLINE from ANY LOCATION nationwide on Monday, November 3.

  • Apply code 9008426 in the Fundraiser Code box.

  • 28% will be donated back to EXP!

Order your company lunch for a family dinner on November 3 and help fuel the opportunity engine in Barstow! Share this link with your friends and family and on social media to spread the word! 

Orange Chicken sounds great!

Celebrating 10+ years with EXP

Happy 10th+ work anniversary to three of our team members (L-R): Alejandra Garcia, Golnaz Fatemi, and Patty Negrette!

Everything changes, but our Business Manager, Golnaz, has been the one constant we can rely on for the past 11 years when it comes to business operations. 

Meanwhile, in Barstow, Senior Program Manager Patty started with us as a contractor 12 years ago, but we’re counting her 10 years as a full-time employee. Patty helps EXP establish and grow our programs in the high desert. She *is* EXP High Desert, and everyone knows and loves Ms. Patty! 

Last but not least, an EXP alum, Alejandra, came on board as a Program Assistant and grew with the organization to become our Director of Program Operations today. She is definitely an EXP full circle story!

Thank you for your years of service and dedication to our students and mission!

Upcoming Events

Corporate Partnership opportunities are available for all of our events! Please contact Jessica Ureña, Director of Development, today at jessica@expfuture.org.

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