Linked Learning Alliance

Today we’re celebrating four incredible Linked Learning Students of the Year from Porterville Unified! Each of them is making a real impact through their pathways and in their communities.

Areli Gomez – Academy of Engineering, Harmony Magnet
A focused leader and dedicated Pathway Ambassador who balances academics, athletics, service, and mentoring with integrity and heart.

Citlalih Ferrer – Environmental Science Academy, Monache High
A climate literacy champion whose research and work with the CAPS Green Schoolyards Project is transforming school campuses into greener, healthier spaces.

Dylan Aguayo – Academy of Engineering, Harmony Magnet
A STEM innovator contributing to clean energy work, air quality research with Stanford, and co-creator of FLIPS, a hands-on science camp for local youth.

Christina Miranda – Academy of Health Sciences, Porterville High
A healthcare leader and HOSA president with 100+ clinical hours, multiple certifications, and deep commitment to serving her community.
Help us celebrate these outstanding students and their bright futures!



We’re kicking off a very special series this week! 

Every year at the Linked Learning Conference, we honor an incredible group of students as our Linked Learning Students of the Year—young people who are already shaping the future through passion, purpose, and perseverance.

This year, we celebrated 10 outstanding students from 4 districts across California. Over the next few days, you’ll get to meet each one of them.

Today, meet Yumi from .

Yumi completed the CAMS Engineering and Computer Science pathways and is already putting her skills to work. She interned at Boeing Huntington Beach, co-authored two books on cybersecurity and advanced Java programming (!!), and has her sights set on MIT.

Help us celebrate Yumi’s achievements and the bright future ahead!



One of the most inspiring parts of the Linked Learning Conference each year is hearing directly from students—and this year, they took the stage in unforgettable ways! From musical performances to spoken word and dance, these talented young people reminded us why Linked Learning exists: to empower students to lead, create, and thrive.

Their voices and artistry bring the Power of PLUS to life—showing that when learning connects to purpose and community, amazing things happen.

What an inspiring day two at the Linked Learning Conference 2025! Today’s sessions and site visits reminded us of the impact of connection, collaboration, and commitment to student success. Thank you to everyone who made today so meaningful — we’re looking forward to one more incredible day together! 📸:

What an incredible first day at the 2025 Linked Learning Conference! 💫 From inspiring sessions to powerful connections, we’re feeling the Power of PLUS in full force. Can’t wait for day two tomorrow! 📸

✨ Double the celebration! ✨ Yesterday we had the honor of hosting a Gold Certification site visit at Arroyo Valley High School in San Bernardino. Congratulations to the Educators For Tomorrow Academy and the Anivation Tech Academy on becoming our two newest GOLD Certified Linked Learning Pathways! 🏅🎉

These achievements highlight the dedication of educators, students, and community partners who are setting the standard for excellence in college and career readiness. 💛

Internships should be about opportunity, not survival.

In a recent blog, Anne Stanton, President of Linked Learning Alliance, reflects on a New York Times piece about unpaid internships and asks a critical question: Are we really setting young people up for success?

The answer? We can—and must—do better.
Start career learning earlier
Pay interns fairly
Provide real support

This summer, 195 LAUSD students landed paid internships through Linked Learning’s GPSN pilot. When done right, internships benefit everyone—students, employers, and communities.

Click the link in our bio to read the full blog.

Big congratulations to ARISE High School on becoming the first school in Oakland Unified School District to achieve Linked Learning Gold Certification!

The ARISE Public & Community Health Pathway is setting a new standard—transforming what’s possible for students by building a strong, supportive culture that reflects the values of its community and prepares young people for college, career, and life.

We’re proud to recognize ARISE for their unwavering commitment to equity, excellence, and student-centered learning.

Collaboration drives impact! Thank you to the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation () for having Linked Learning Alliance at the 88 Cities Summit in Torrance, CA, yesterday. It was inspiring to engage with leaders from across LA County who are committed to fostering economic mobility, workforce development, and student success.

At , we believe that education and workforce alignment are key to creating equitable opportunities for young people. Events like this reinforce the power of cross-sector collaboration to build pathways that prepare students for thriving futures.

Looking forward to continuing these critical conversations and working together to expand opportunity across all 88 cities!

BIG NEWS: Registration for the Power of PLUS: Linked Learning Conference 2025 is NOW OPEN!

Join us as we bring together educators, industry leaders, and change-makers to shape the future of college and career success. Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and to be inspired.

📆 October 7-9, 2025
📍 Oakland, California
🔗 Link in our bio

Tag a colleague who needs to be there with you!

Happy National School Counseling Week!

To the school counselors who inspire, support, and empower students every day—thank you for being a guiding light in their academic and personal journeys. Your compassion, patience, and dedication shape futures, nurture dreams, and create safe spaces for growth.

We are grateful for all you do to help students thrive inside and outside the classroom. You make a lasting difference, and today, we celebrate YOU!

THE NEWS IS OUT! The 2025 Conference is happening October 7-9 in Oakland, California. More details to come! Be sure you are subscribed to our newsletter to be the first to know.