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Project NEXT opens Future Center at Escondido High; students report new career pathways
Summary
Project NEXT’s executive director told the board the Future Center served 124 students in its first week, and two students described career‑focused programs and industry visits; the organization received a $27,000 ASML grant to support technology in the space.
Project NEXT executive director Lisa Stout reported to the Escondido Union High School District Board on May 13 that the organization's Future Center at Escondido High School has begun delivering daily drop‑in supports and targeted programming to help students plan post‑secondary steps.
"In the first week of the Future Center being opened, we had over 124 students come in for support," Stout said, and she outlined programs that include a student ambassador cohort, Accelerate placements into high‑demand industries and a Focused Futures pathway for students facing the greatest barriers. She also noted a $27,000 grant from ASML to purchase additional technology for the center.
Jenny Orlando, Project NEXT programs coordinator, described regular events available to all students such as Money Matters financial workshops, career chats and 'nexpeditions'—off‑campus career site visits that included Cultura and the new Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport. Two students who participated in the REDI (Real Estate Awareness Diversity Initiative) and other Project NEXT activities told trustees the programs expanded their understanding of career options and helped them build professional networks.
Trustees thanked Stout and City partners; Superintendent John Peterson was singled out for supporting the district’s partnership with Project NEXT. Board members asked staff to continue measuring student engagement and outcomes and to coordinate further expansion across the district as resources allow.
