Season 3, Episode 18 | Dr. David Miyashiro, Superintendent, Cajon Valley Union School District, Nerel Winter, CEO, Bostonia Global

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 18 of "Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged."  

Sponsored by a champion of schools, school leaders, teachers and employees - SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union - we have an excellent episode with Dr. David Miyashiro, Superintendent of Cajon Valley Union School District, and Nerel Winter, CEO of Bostonia Global High School. They emphasize the importance of career literacy and individualized pathways for students, starting from kindergarten. Cajon Valley's Career Development Program has gained national recognition, now implemented in multiple states. Bostonia Global High School, a District Charter school, offers a unique model integrating career and college pathways, with students earning high school credit, college credit, and work experience simultaneously. Both leaders stress the need for collaboration between education, industry, and community to prepare students for future workforce needs.

David Miyashiro's Vision for Cajon Valley

• David discusses the Career Development Program's expansion to other states and introduces Nerel Winter, who is taking over the program for the District.
• Nerel shares his background as a musician and his transition into education, emphasizing the importance of career literacy from an early age.
• The conversation shifts to the need to shift the mindset from college over career to a balanced approach in high school.
• David and Nerel discuss the importance of individualized pathways for students and the role of mentorships and apprenticeships in career development.

Nerel Winter's Approach at Bostonia Global

• Nerel explains his passion for education and the focus on career literacy at Bostonia Global High School.
• He shares his experience as a musician and the impact of a college and career counselor's advice on his career path.
• Nerel emphasizes the importance of knowing students' strengths, interests, and values to connect them to future workforce opportunities.
• The discussion highlights the need for a shift in mindset from a college-focused approach to a balanced career and college framework.

Employee Engagement and Mentorship Programs

• David talks about the importance of employee engagement and well-being in the Cajon Valley School District.
• He explains how the district involves all 3000 employees in working with students, creating a supportive culture.
• Nerel discusses the mentorship and apprenticeship programs at Bostonia Global, providing students with individualized pathways and exposure to various careers.
• The conversation touches on the dual enrollment programs and the collaboration with local universities and community colleges.

Collaboration with Industry and Workforce Development

• David and Nerel discuss the importance of collaboration with industry leaders to understand future workforce needs.
• They highlight the role of the San Diego Workforce Partnership and the Economic Development Corporation in driving workforce development initiatives.
• The conversation includes the challenges of breaking barriers within industry to allow students to be exposed to opportunities at earlier ages.
• David shares the vision of creating a future workforce through partnerships with industries and educational institutions.

Parental Involvement and Community Support

• Nerel emphasizes the role of parents in supporting their children's career paths and the importance of shifting the narrative around career and college.
• He encourages parents to be part of the conversation and to ensure their district is supporting their children's future.
• The discussion highlights the need for a balanced approach to education that considers both career and college opportunities.
• David and Nerel discuss the importance of