The Lompoc Teen Center, in partnership with Endowment for Youth Committee/Community, will present the third annual Pathways: A Career Conference for Teens, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at Lompoc High School.

For the first time, the free, one-day conference will welcome students in grades 7-12 from throughout Santa Barbara County, expanding access to hands-on career exploration, professional networking, and career and college readiness opportunities, organizers said.

“Pathways is designed to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world career opportunities by introducing students to the people, industries, and educational pathways that can shape their futures,” they said.

“Through collaboration among education institutions, local employers, community organizations, and workforce development partners, the conference seeks to strengthen the region’s youth workforce pipeline while empowering students to make informed decisions about their education and careers,” they said.

Throughout the day, students will participate in four interactive career workshops facilitated by industry professionals representing a diverse range of career pathways, including animal science, business administration, cybersecurity, engineering, fashion and modeling, practicing law, sports medicine, and union trades.

“Unlike traditional presentations, Pathways emphasizes experiential learning, giving students opportunities to explore real-world challenges, engage in hands-on activities, and gain first-hand insight into different professions,” organizers said.

Workshop facilitators will introduce students to the responsibilities, skills, education and training associated with their respective careers, while sharing personal experiences and practical advice.

Students will have opportunities to ask questions, develop professional connections, and explore potential mentorship, internship, and career opportunities.

The conference will offer a career and college fair connecting students with employers, colleges, universities, apprenticeship programs, and workforce development organizations.

Participating organizations will provide information about educational pathways, career training, scholarships, internships, and other opportunities and resources available to students.

Another feature of the event will be a student poster showcase highlighting the experiences and accomplishments of young people who have participated in internships and other work-based learning opportunities.

Students are invited to present poster highlighting projects they have worked on; challenges they have addressed; skills they have developed; or insights gained through their experiences.

During the showcase students can share their work; practice professional communication and presentation skills; and connect with industry professionals, employers, and peers. It will demonstrate how work-based learning experiences help students connect classroom education with real-world career opportunities.

Students who have participated in internships or other work-based learning experiences are encouraged to take part in the poster showcase.

To learn more about participating, visit lompocteencenter.org/pathways.

The expansion of Pathways to students throughout Santa Barbara County represents a milestone in the conference’s development and its mission to make career exploration opportunities more accessible to young people, organizers said.

To support participation from South Santa Barbara County, complimentary round-trip transportation will be provided from designated pickup locations at Santa Barbara, San Marcos and Dos Pueblos high schools, courtesy of Santa Barbara Air Bus.

Advanced registration is required, and participation is limited to 300 students. Selected participants will receive free continental breakfast, lunch, exclusive conference merchandise, and opportunities to win prizes, including Apple AirPods 5, a 2026 Apple iPad, and a Nintendo Switch Lite.

Parents and legal guardians can register their students at lompocteencenter.org/pathways.

Organizations interested in participating or supporting the conference can learn more at lompocteencenter.org/pathways.

The conference is supported by the G.A. Fowler Family Foundation, Lompoc Unified School District, Allan Hancock College, Chase, Santa Barbara Foundation, and Santa Barbara Air Bus.

The Lompoc Teen Center is a nonprofit that provides a safe-space for at-risk teens in grades 7-12 to achieve academic success, college and career readiness.

The Endowment for Youth Committee/Community is a nonprofit in Santa Barbara County dedicated to supporting and empowering African American students from sixth grade through college.