Since our 1993 founding by the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, our mission has been to provide every Santa Cruz County student with opportunities to discover a fulfilling and successful career. We strongly believe students need hands-on or in-person experience to make informed decisions that will empower them to move forward into their careers. To do this, we bring schools and businesses together to support students in becoming Santa Cruz County’s next generation of workers. We are all about providing young people clear direction for their futures. We implement work-based learning by providing students with real-life experiences and the opportunity to improve their academic and technical skills while developing their employability. We constantly improve our countywide network of community leaders and businesses who see the talent and potential in our youth. With their incredible support, we host monthly career panels and expos at K-12 Santa Cruz County schools. We are fully staffed by college interns and supervised by a part-time executive director who coordinate together to successfully run a non-profit organization. Students who have participated in our programs can be found throughout the county, working in every industry. It is likely that you’ve worked with them, employed them, received the benefits of their talents, or availed yourself of their professional services. We are proud of our students who we have inspired to follow their dreams. We feel heartfelt appreciation to all the businesses and professionals who have given their time to guide our youth. Find out more at http://yfiob.org/.