Linking Students to Careers

BUSINESS LEADERS. EDUCATORS. BRIDGE BUILDERS. YFIOB IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING EVERY SANTA CRUZ COUNTY STUDENT WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO FORGE A PATH TO A FULFILLING AND SUCCESSFUL CAREER.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide every Santa Cruz County student with opportunities to discover a fulfilling and successful career. In the modern, shifting workplace, students need to make informed decisions that empower them to forge careers. We bring schools and businesses together to support students in becoming Santa Cruz County’s next generation of workers. It’s all about providing young people clear direction in their lives.

What We Do

We provide work-based learning opportunities like expos, panels, guest speakers and more to elementary, middle, and high school students as well as internships for post-secondary students. Students get to explore a variety of career options and interact with professionals currently working in the industry. We provide real-world exposure and connect youth to adults who can assist youth with finding their path. Nothing is more valuable than hands-on experience.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Here is a quick glance at our numbers on how we are making an impact to students and the community.

1000 +
Opportunities
124
"Links" Career Experience Providers
3500 +
Students served every year

Commitment to Racial and Social Equity and Inclusion

Your Future Is Our Business is committed to achieving racial and social equity through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for all members in our community. We value all qualities that make each individual who they are and we encourage every person to bring their unique perspective and experience to advance our mission of helping every student explore and find a career that is right for them. We are committed to partnering up with organizations in our community to pool resources and expand program offerings to underrepresented members. A diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace is one where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, is seen, valued, and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in our organization. We commit to using these practices for our organization and holding our communities and partners to the same standard.

Our Educational Partners

"Our future rests on the investments we place in our youth-serving programs and education. Students need to make connections between academics and career possibilities. Providing this essential career exploration can make schooling more relevant, and increase motivation, and perseverance. YFIOB strives to provide every students with career exploration opportunities and to learn from adults working in local communities. I have been proud to support YFIOB"s partnership with our schools and to increase the connection between our communities, industry, and public education."
Cristine Chopra
Executive Director, Santa Cruz County College & Career Collaborative
"I am so proud to have had the opportunity to work with such an amazing organization like YFIOB. I come from a city where youth development was not a priority however, coming to Santa Cruz and learning of all of the resources that are available to young people is absolutely fascinating. I truly believe that this community is blessed with individuals who truly care for fostering growth in the youths future. This work is so important and I know that there are so many supporters, donors, and volunteers who really make this a fully-functioning machine."
Elayne Carbajal
YFIOB Program Coordinator Intern
"Our community is blessed with the only business and educational partner providing work based learning opportunities for students that I am aware of. I have had the pleasure of participating in YFIOB events since 2008 and have served on the Board for many years. All of the YFIOB Board members I have worked with have worked with have been enthusiastic and active participants. In my 12 year history with YFIOB, I have seen several Board Presidents bring their unique leadership to the organization but Mary has taken this program to another level. Her development of young adult engagement in the program was the clear direction the program needed. One of the pillars of a strong career and technical education program is that every student participates in an active work based learning program. YFIOB should be the leader in this area for all students in Santa Cruz County."
Mark Hodges
Former Senior Director, Santa Cruz County Career Technical Education Partnership