Applications now open for 9th and 10th graders in Contra Costa County
Making Waves Education Foundation’s Career Spark: Explore Your Future is now accepting applications. Career Spark is a free three-day program happening this fall to support 9th and 10th grade students in the Bay Area’s Contra Costa County as they explore career opportunities and build workplace skills.
The pilot program is a part of Making Waves’ emerging strategic vision to develop new pathways that blur the lines between high school, college, and career to open more doors to economic mobility.
Free career exploration program offered this fall in Concord
“Too often, young people don’t see themselves in certain careers because they’ve never had the chance to explore what’s out there,” shared Aiyana Mourtos (she/her), chief program officer at Making Waves.
“This program gives students in Contra Costa County real exposure, real skills, and real options – so they can start building a future pathway to long-term economic mobility,” Mourtos shared.
Making Waves’ Career Spark program is set to run Nov. 6-8 at the Community Youth Center in Concord, California. As a part of efforts to support students in exploring different career paths early in their educational journey, participants will take part in workshops, networking, and guided reflection to discover in-demand career paths that connect to their strengths and interests.
“It’s challenging for young people to navigate the fragmented systems between education and employment, and as a result, too many young people graduate high school without clear pathways to good jobs,” shared Patrick O’Donnell (he/him), CEO of Making Waves.
“Career Spark is about igniting curiosity early and showing students that there are multiple routes to success,” O’Donnell shared.
Opportunity to explore careers and gain connections – no prior experience required
Open to students who might have a career in mind or might not know where to start, this Career Spark program is all about 9th and 10th graders exploring their options, asking questions, gaining connections and mentorship, and discovering what matters to them. With no prior job or work experience needed, the program offers students the following.
Explore their strengths
Participants will take a career interests and strengths assessment before exploring their personal ikigai – the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
Build their voice in professional settings
Students will learn how to craft a great elevator pitch and prepare thoughtful questions to confidently engage with adults in professional settings.
Learn about different career paths
As a part of a high-energy, fast-paced networking event with local employers, students will engage with professionals and learn about their unique journeys – how they got started, what their job is really like, and what advice they have.
Walk away with clear next steps for their career journey
After three days of immersive career exploration, participants will have a deeper self-awareness, inspiration, and a better sense of what they want to learn or try next on their career journey.
“Starting early is everything,” said Daisy Han (she/her), VP of career launch at Making Waves. “Career Spark gives young people in Contra Costa County the chance to discover what’s possible and take bold steps toward the future they want.”
Participants will also receive a 10-year license to Futre.me, a life navigation platform with tools, insights, and guidance designed with youth for youth. While the program is cost-free, spots are limited. Applications are open now and due Oct. 8, 2025.
Career Spark made possible by community partners and funders
Making Waves is offering Career Spark as a free opportunity for students thanks to the generous support of philanthropic funders and donors and community partners, including the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County, Payette River Foundation, Community Youth Center, and Earn and Learn.
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