EDC’s Inclusive Growth blog series highlights and celebrates local companies and organizations helping drive economic growth and progress toward San Diego’s 2030 Inclusive Growth goals.
Launched in 2018 and informed by a partnership with the Brookings Institution, the Inclusive Growth initiative sets 2030 goals for San Diego related to increasing: 1) the supply of talent, 2) quality small business jobs, and 3) newly thriving households. The goals inform San Diego’s economic priorities and make the business case for economic inclusion.
Regional talent demand remains high
To maintain economic competitiveness, the region needs 20,000 students per year completing post-secondary education within six years of graduating high school.
While progress toward the goal has increased incrementally since 2017, talent scarcity has become the new normal as hiring demand exceeds the supply of talent across industries. Compounding this challenge, student success is demographically uneven as Hispanics and Latinos only account for 17 percent of residents over 25 years old with at least a bachelor’s degree. Employer-led talent pipeline development efforts are critical to the future of San Diego’s economy, and Cajon Valley Union School District is among those working toward a solution.
Meet CVUSD.
The Cajon Valley Union School District (CVUSD) serves approximately 18,000 students across 28 schools spanning more than 60-square-miles in East San Diego County. Located in one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse regions of San Diego, the district has earned national recognition for its innovative approach to education, its commitment to whole child development, and its focus on preparing students for meaningful futures. At the center of the district’s work is a mission that guides every aspect of its approach to education: Happy Kids, Healthy Relationships, on a Path to Gainful Employment.
This mission reflects a belief that schools must do more than deliver academic content. Schools must help young people understand who they are, what they care about, and how their strengths can translate into meaningful contributions in the world.
An opportunity to re-define career preparedness
CVUSD serves one of the most diverse student populations in San Diego County. Many students are multilingual learners, newcomers to the United States, or the first in their families to navigate American education systems and postsecondary opportunities.
At the same time, San Diego faces a significant workforce development challenge, requiring education systems to rethink how they prepare students for the future. Historically, K–12 education and workforce development systems were not designed to respond dynamically to labor market changes, emerging industries, or employer needs. CVUSD has addressed this challenge by intentionally redesigning the student experience around identity, relevance, and future readiness.
An innovative approach to career-connected learning
Over the past decade, CVUSD has become nationally recognized for its World of Work framework—an innovative system that integrates career awareness, strengths discovery, and real-world learning experiences throughout the K–8 educational journey. Using the Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional career development assessment and model, students research professions aligned with their interests and strengths, interview professionals about their work, and present their findings through projects that connect classroom learning to real professions and pathways.
Career literacy is embedded throughout the curriculum. Students encounter real-world applications within reading and writing assignments, research projects, collaborative problem-solving challenges, and presentations that strengthen both academic and professional communication skills. Equally important, students regularly interact with professionals across San Diego’s major industry sectors.
This approach helps students see purpose in their education. In a recent district survey, 73% of students in fourth through eighth grade agreed with the statement, “The things I’m learning in school are important to my future.” This data reflects a powerful shift in how students experience learning, understanding that what they are studying today connects directly to the opportunities they may pursue tomorrow.
To expand these opportunities even further, CVUSD recently launched the World of Work Foundation, a nonprofit initiative designed to connect schools, employers, and community organizations around a shared vision for workforce development, and therefore expanding mentorship networks, employer partnerships, youth apprenticeship opportunities, and work-based learning experiences for students throughout the region.
In a region working to close opportunity gaps and build a stronger talent pipeline, CVUSD is preparing young people not only to graduate but to thrive.
Join the movement
Progress on EDC’s 2030 Inclusive Growth goals is only achievable with and through the region’s employers scaling innovative and intentional solutions. Anchor institutions like SDG&E are helping to collectively pave the way toward a more inclusive regional economy. Join us:
- Endorse the goals, and be part of the change San Diego’s economy demands
- June 17—Save the date for EDC’s Inclusive Growth Talent Roundtable
- See our full Inclusive Growth Spotlight series
- Learn more about becoming an EDC investor
To learn more and get involved in EDC’s work, contact:
Bree Burris
Sr. Director, Communications & Community Engagement