EXP Insider: Partners in Action
Thankful for Our Partners!
Thanks to our incredible volunteers and partners, this fall semester may be our busiest yet—filled with impactful job shadow field trips, inspiring guest speakers, and engaging hands-on learning experiences.
The Lundquist Institute
Students from Sato Academy of Math and Science spent a day at the Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center earlier this month, exploring careers in biomedical research and healthcare innovation.
Netflix
Earlier this month, Barstow High School alum Joshua Gutierrez of Netflix Animation introduced more than 400 Carson High School students to The Book of Life director Jorge Gutierrez during a special virtual guest appearance. Students left inspired by Jorge’s creative journey and insights into the animation and film industry.
CSU Long Beach Shark Lab
The ocean came to life for students at Lawndale and Leuzinger High Schools! Guest speakers from CSU Long Beach Shark Lab brought a shark model, a tank, and a set of jaws to discuss sharks, aquatic ecosystems, and the connection between marine life and the environmental topics students have been studying in class.
Edwards Lifesciences
In October, students from Vista Meridian Global Academy and Sato Academy visited Edwards Lifesciences in Irvine for a job shadow day. After hearing from employees about their career paths, students took part in hands-on activities that brought science and engineering to life. What an inspiring experience!
Snap Inc.
Our friends at Snap once again welcomed Phineas Banning High School students for a job shadow day! Students heard from a panel of Snap team members and got an inside look at how cutting-edge technologies are developed and used every day.
Guest Speakers Bringing Real World into the Classroom
Culinary pathway students at San Pedro High School were treated to a parade of chefs and restaurateurs who shared their stories—and their recipes! These are just the amuse bouche. There are many more to come!
Ricardo Sanchez, Maya Restaurant
Clair Risoli, Pocha LA
Sophia Veliz, Not Yo Granny’s Cookies
At Gardena High School, alumnus Craig Batiste, CEO of the national chain Mr. Fries Man, returned to speak with Global Business Magnet students about his entrepreneurial journey—and even stuck around to record a student podcast afterward!
Meanwhile, visual imagery students at Tustin High School received professional feedback on their projects from sports photographers Freddy Ponce and Bryant Noyola, turning the classroom into a real-world creative studio.
Industry Coaching Returns in Barstow
The popular Industry Coaching Program kicked off this month at Barstow and Central High Schools. Credited by our 2025 Carol Rowen 180 Degree Award recipient Jade Chavez as a life-changing experience, students and coaches began building the connections--figuratively and literally with the card tower challenge--that will help shape their futures.
Welcome New Program Manager: Lan “Tandy” Nguyen
Congratulations to Lan “Tandy” Nguyen on her promotion to Program Manager! Tandy joined EXP back in January as the development coordinator. In her new role, she will be working with Vista Meridian Global Academy in Santa Ana.
Born and raised in Long Beach, California, Tandy graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature under the Creative Writing Specialization. Most recently, she worked as a substitute teacher for the Long Beach Unified School District and served as an events assistant at KUBO LB.
Thank you for your support at GPS Your Future®
From real talks with successful entrepreneurs to trying their hands at drone soccer, more than 450 students from 12 schools participated in the 15th annual GPS Your Future® Career Discovery Day at CSU Dominguez Hills on October 28.
Keynote speaker Matt Barnes, CEO and Founder of Rogue United, motivated our students for a day of exploration and learning with a conversation about seizing opportunities, staying focused on their goals, and remaining curious about the world.
Hungry for more success stories, students then learned from a panel of industry leaders about the entrepreneurial mindset – how to think differently, overcome obstacles, and bring their ideas to life.
And finally, students explored career possibilities with nearly 40 companies showcasing their industries and sharing insights on different career paths. We are also grateful for the 100+ industry volunteers who answered all the questions and inspired our students!
“It is always a joy to be able to show up for the youth,” said Suzanne Contreras from Yusen Terminals. “I look forward to next year!”
More inspirations to come at Women in STEM Career Day on March 8. Stay tuned for more details!
Upcoming Events
Save the dates for these future events:
March 5, 2026: EXP’s Women in STEM Career Day
April 30, 2026: The 26th annual Oceans of Opportunity Awards and Scholarship Celebration
Corporate Partnership opportunities are available for all of our events! Please contact Jessica Ureña, Director of Development, today at jessica@expfuture.org.
Giving Tuesday - December 2
Mark your calendar to support your favorite nonprofit (aka us!) and join millions in the global generosity movement!
EXP Alumni Network Happy Hour
Thursday, December 4. 5-8 p.m. @ Ambitious Ales, Long Beach
As we always say around here, your network is your net worth! Help EXP/ITEP alumni young professionals expand their network and join us for a casual get-together.
15% off beverages for our group
Food by No Mambres–Korean fusion with burger, fried chicken, and loaded fries!
Please RSVP here by December 1. For more information, please contact Oakley Boren, Director of Marketing, at oakley@expfuture.org.
Carol Rowen Legacy Circle Power Breakfast
Charged Up: Green Energy and the Future of Work - Thursday, January 29, 2026 @ Big Rec Country Club, Long Beach
Clean energy is reshaping the future. Will our workforce be ready? Join us at Charged Up: Clean Energy and the Future of Work for breakfast and a discussion with industry, community, and education leaders on how clean energy is creating new opportunities, what skills will be in demand, and how today’s classrooms can help students plug into the jobs of tomorrow.
Confirmed Panelists:
Moderator: Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operating Officer, Port of Long Beach
Jaime Gutierrez, Executive Director, Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN)
Hannah White, Fuel Cell Integration Engineer, Toyota
Reserve your seat today! Sponsorship opportunities are available! Please contact Jessica Ureña, Director of Development, at jessica@expfuture.org.
Featuring EXP Alumni: South Bay Business Expo
Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. @ CSU Dominguez Hills
We are proud to support EXP Alum Jebriel Rogong (Narbonne HS ‘16), Executive Director of the South Bay Network! Register today for this one-day event that brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, and industry leaders from across Los Angeles for networking, exhibitions, and a live "Shark Tank" inspired $10,000 pitch competition.