Vital Link
PROGRAMS
College and Career Exploration Days
Vital Link offers one-day college and/or career exploration days for students to learn about specific industries, colleges, and career pathways. These one-day programs include opportunities for students to have hands-on career applications, visit a business site and meet a variety of professionals in a specific industry.
In 2020-21, all events were held virtually and reached more students than previous live events. Vital Link's second-highest attended event was held with Anaheim Union High School District where 4,060 students attended.
Electric Vehicle Challenge
For the EV, on May 4, 2024, students in classes and clubs build their vehicles from the ground up or by modifying existing vehicles using a combination of energy sources. As students build their operational prototypes, they acquire an understanding of electrical and mechanical engineering, aerodynamics, physics, materials science, alternative fuels, statistics, algebra, CAD/3D printing, technology, and fabrication. They also learn about entrepreneurship, marketing, and general management skills. Vital Link and Southern California high schools are collaborating to provide an online, project-based learning environment. Students will work with industry professional mentors on developing the design for their energy-efficient vehicles. Final designs will be presented to an online panel of judges. Each team will explain their development skills in manufacturing and assembling, computer modeling, engineering, analysis, research, and testing.
The Electric Vehicle Challenge links students to their aptitudes and talents as project-based learning aligned with potential careers for their future. Participating students build skills and gain industry-related knowledge to better prepare themselves for an engineering-related career path. Teacher surveys measure their results, and an industry panel judges their entries, analyzing design, programming, operability, concept, and more.
Student Leadership Summit
Vital Link held its first regional Student Leadership Conference on December 4, 2024 targeted to students in grades 9-12. Students accessed valuable experiences supporting CAREER EXPLORATION and fostered ESSENTIAL SKILLS. Cost is $50 per student. Lunch and snacks were provided.
Over 800 students participated in the Student Leadership Summit
They accessed Career Exploration Supports, Fostered Leadership Skills, learned how to build their professional network, participated in Roundtable Discussions with Industry Professionals, listened to Industry Panel Sessions, and viewed Industry College Exhibitors.
Drone Academy
Students learn about safety and federal regulations for professional drone pilots as they learn how to fly and maneuver through obstacle courses.
Offering students an in-depth view into the world of remote aircraft. During the drone academy, students learn about career options and fly drones through a variety of obstacle courses. Students listen to speakers and learn from industry leaders in the drone community and much more!
Internship
Internship gives you the opportunity to work in various departments, including marketing, sales, and client services. These internships allow students to gain valuable project-based experience in different business functions while building a professional network with colleagues and mentors in the business sector. With shorter durations, typically lasting a few months, these internships are designed to fit well with a student’s academic schedule, making them an ideal opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting. Intern Essentials: “Intern Essentials” is a workshop series designed to equip future interns with the critical soft skills needed for career success. Each session focuses on a specific skill, such as effective communication, teamwork, networking, interviewing, and resume building, all essential for career success. For ages 16-24
outh who complete the Intern Essentials workshop series leave with more than just knowledge — they leave ready to work. Through focused sessions on communication, teamwork, networking, interviewing, and resume building, participants ages 16–24 develop the confidence and professional skills that employers are looking for from day one.
Our participants walk away with:
A polished, professional resume ready for the job market
Stronger communication and teamwork skills for the workplace
The ability to network effectively and make lasting professional connections
Interview skills and confidence to successfully land opportunities
A foundation of soft skills that support long-term career success
CONTACT
Vital LinkNeda
Phone: 949-299-5436