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CEO Patrick O’Donnell shares how the HealthX program is the start of connecting career exploration, work-based learning, and credential attainment into a coherent sequence as a part of a new grades 11-14 model.
Making Waves is partnering with Kaiser to provide this paid work-based learning experience, which includes mentorship, a stipend, and a healthcare credential. 50 students in grades 11-12 at 12+ high schools across Contra Costa County were selected, among 150+ applicants.
Making Waves is launching Pathways to Health: Paid Career Program, a new four-day, earn-and-learn experience designed to help Bay Area high school juniors and seniors explore in-demand healthcare careers while gaining hands-on skills, mentorship, and a stipend of up to $400.
We are reimagining what it means to prepare students across Contra Costa County for the future, ensuring they have both the education and the experience to achieve economic mobility and fulfilling lives. Learn more in our 2024-25 Making Waves Impact Report!
Making Waves CEO Patrick O’Donnell shares a leadership update on a strategic visioning process with an emerging model focusing on the critical transition years between high school, college, and career.
This new six-month work-based learning program connects Contra Costa County teens with the skills, certifications, and mentors needed for in-demand healthcare jobs.
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.
Meet the largest class to graduate from Making Waves Academy: the Class of 2025, known as the 22nd Wave! 95% are heading to two- or four-year colleges and universities.
This pilot program led to 100% of students gaining increased information about career pathways, increased social capital connections, stronger durable skills, and renewed motivation for their future.
Making Waves Education Foundation and Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences are partnering to launch the Hands-On Health: Paid Career Exploration Fellowship. The pilot program is designed to provide young adults with a paid opportunity to explore, gain skills, and make connections in the healthcare industry.
We are excited to share some incredible news – this fall, the Contra Costa County Board of Education unanimously voted to approve Making Waves Academy’s five-year charter renewal. The vote was met with both applause and tears of joy from the over 150 supporters who filled the room (with more joining online), proudly wearing Making Waves shirts and sharing the essential role Making Waves plays in the lives of students and families in the Richmond community.
The Making Waves Academy Career Fair is an opportunity to connect with and inspire students to explore future career pathways.
