LVIC Receives $20,000 Sponsorship to Expand Career Exploration Opportunities in Public Works

The San Diego County Office of Education’s (SDCOE) Linda Vista Innovation Center (LVIC) received a generous $20,000 sponsorship from the American Public Works Association (APWA) San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter.

The sponsorship was announced during APWA’s annual awards luncheon on May 29.

The funds are part of a two-year partnership that will directly support and enhance the LVIC’s hands-on career exploration experiences, providing students from across the county a unique opportunity to explore high-demand, high-wage careers in public works – a field critical to the safety, sustainability and development of local communities.

“We are so honored to have APWA’s support,” said Dr. Matthew Tessier, assistant superintendent of Innovation at SDCOE. “With this partnership, students will be able to interact with equipment, work through real industry challenges, and explore careers within the public works sector that align with their own strengths and interests.”

During the ceremony, APWA’s leadership emphasized the importance of introducing students to public works early on to help build awareness and interest in the essential careers that build and maintain critical public infrastructure.

“By investing in students today, we’re helping to build a strong pipeline of future public works professionals in our region,” said APWA National President Elect Vic Bianes. “We are proud to support the Linda Vista Innovation Center and the incredible work they’re doing to inspire and cultivate San Diego’s future workforce.”

This partnership is one of a several in place at the LVIC that focus on the San Diego region’s highest priority sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, information and communication technology, health care, energy, construction, and utilities. By introducing students to these fields and careers early on in unique and impactful ways, the LVIC is a key component in SDCOE’s work in ensuring students have a more in-depth understanding of various high-demand career paths and are better prepared for college, career, and beyond.