ETCN’s valued partnerships bolster adult student success
In order to meet the needs of its students and ensure that graduates have the best chance to achieve success, the Education to Career Network (ETCN) adult school consortium works with other regional organizations. Such collaborations are known as “Intentional and Structured Regional Partnerships,” part of the “Seven Converging Promising Practices” that ETCN member schools incorporate to provide students with the best educational and career outcomes.
The Seven Converging Promising Practices were introduced in spring 2024 and developed by studying 12 California adult schools with exceptional student performance and employment outcomes—especially among students of color. These practices are gaining traction with the California Community Colleges, the California Department of Education, and the California Adult Education Program.
“The numbers are clear; the region cannot fill its talent gaps unless we open doors for more San Diegans.”
Taylor Dunne, Director of Talent Initiatives at San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp
One such partnership is with the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC), which aims to expand the local workforce and provide students with work-related skills.
ETCN Partnership Coordinator Sharon Mah says the consortium’s work with the EDC ensures that training programs stay aligned with industry needs while also raising the visibility of adult education in workforce development conversations.
“We want to make sure that all the training and support services we offer are meeting the needs of local industries,” Mah says. “That means creating a talent pool for businesses while also preparing students—many of whom are underrepresented job seekers—for real career opportunities.”
A recent milestone came when ETCN’s Accounting program was recognized through the EDC’s industry initiative. The recognition confirms that the program meets local business standards and may also open new funding opportunities for adult schools, including regional workforce grants and additional public-private partnerships.
“Poway Adult School is excited to be recognized as an Advancing San Diego Verified Program. We believe that further developing industry partnerships, encouraging reflection on learning objectives, and aligning with the needs of local industries will help set our students up for success as they enter the workforce,” says Kathleen Porter, Executive Director of Career Technical, Adult, and Alternative Education at Poway Unified School District.
“By equipping students with the skills needed to thrive, we help them transition successfully into the workforce. EDC’s Talent Demand data is an invaluable tool that allows us to align our programs with the skills students need to launch new careers,” says Elizabeth O’Shea-West, Principal at Vista Adult School.
According to Taylor Dunne, Vice President of Talent Initiatives at the San Diego Regional EDC, adult schools play a vital role in building the region’s future workforce.
“This new roster—which includes universities, community colleges, adult schools, and more—offers employers a go-to source for qualified and diverse talent, while giving training programs the on-the-ground insights they need to shape the curricula of the future,” Dunne says.
This kind of collaboration also highlights the importance of adult education alongside community colleges and universities.
“Adult schools are in students’ backyards,” Mah says. “Many of our learners are working adults, parents, or immigrants who need flexible schedules. These partnerships ensure they can access training close to home that actually leads to jobs.”
To ensure ongoing communication across our regional workforce network, ETCN hosts two major annual events. The first one is the Business and Community Forum, held each January, which brings together employers, community organizations, and educators to discuss emerging workforce needs and strengthen partnerships. The Forum also provides a valuable platform for business and community partners to socialize, exchange insights, and learn from one another.
The second event is the Career and Education Showcase—typically offered virtually and most recently held in November—which connects employers directly with students preparing to enter the job market. Employers share hiring priorities, open positions, career pathways, and application tips. Mah says early survey feedback from students and teachers has been very positive, noting that employer presentations were clear and engaging, breakout sessions were helpful, and the event gave students a stronger understanding of real job requirements and opportunities.
Outside of those events, ETCN staff also attend community job fairs and networking gatherings, following up with one-on-one conversations to foster collaborations. Mah emphasized that the consortium prioritizes working with employers who provide fair wages, career advancement opportunities, and inclusive hiring practices.
“It’s about making sure our students aren’t just getting jobs, but careers that allow them to grow,” Mah says.
By prioritizing Intentional and Structured Regional Partnerships, ETCN is ensuring that adult education remains a central player in workforce development. These collaborations give students access to relevant training, connect employers with qualified candidates, and strengthen the local economy—all while advancing the Seven Converging Promising Practices that are shaping the future of adult education in California.
“The numbers are clear: the region cannot fill its talent gaps unless we open doors for more San Diegans,” Dunne says.
The Education to Career Network is the largest adult education consortium in San Diego County. Its members include Escondido, Poway, Ramona, San Marcos, and Vista Adult Schools, as well as Palomar College. To learn more about ETCN and its members, visit educationtocareer.net.
Written by Chris Woodard
| Regions | Classes & Topics |
|---|---|
| Southern California | Enrichment |
