Programs ensure students engage in deep learning that leads to discovering their future
Fairfield, CA (August 31, 2026) – For Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District (FSUSD) students, learning doesn't always happen inside the classroom. Through internships, job shadows, career fairs, mentorships, industry projects, and other Work-Based Learning experiences, students are gaining opportunities to explore careers and connect their education to their futures.
Last school year, FSUSD took a major step forward in expanding these opportunities by developing districtwide systems to track participation, understand student interests, and build stronger connections with businesses and community partners. The results are remarkable: During the 25-26 school year, FSUSD students participated in 2,657 Work-Based Learning engagements across 62 documented activities, and 384 students requested additional opportunities.
“This report confirms what we've believed for a long time – our students want authentic career-connected learning experiences,” said Holly Whitworth, Ed.D, FSUSD Assistant Director of Secondary Education. “Now we have the data and the systems to help us continue building opportunities to meet that demand.”
Among the district's new efforts were a centralized Work-Based Learning website, a student interest survey, a tracking and reporting system, and expanded partnerships with businesses, industry, workforce agencies, community organizations, and postsecondary institutions.
During the summer, students from Early College High School, Fairfield High School, and the Public Safety Academy put career exploration into practice through the Touro Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP). Over six weeks, students explored careers in medicine and healthcare through hands-on experiences, mentoring from healthcare professionals and professors, and training in CPR/First Aid, OSHA, and HIPAA. The program concluded with a community healthcare project. Students who successfully completed the program will also receive three college credits and a stipend.
“This experience was really fun and insightful,” said Cheyanne, now a junior at the Public Safety Academy. “I'm glad I did it, and it will help me figure out what career I am interested in for the future.”
The district has been working to increase outreach to make sure all students are aware of the opportunities available to them. Messaging has gone out through ParentSquare, newsletters, direct-to-home mailings, school sites, and from the district’s College & Career Technicians.
“Work-Based Learning can confirm for a student they are on the right career path,” said FSUSD College & Career Technician Danica Matthews. “It has been great to watch our students grow and feel more prepared for life after high school.”
Another example in action is the district's Automotive Internship Program, launched in the summer of 2025 in the Transportation Department. The paid opportunity gives students workplace experience and allows them time to build confidence under the direct guidance of skilled district staff. This year, three students secured spots in the Automotive Internship Program.
“We are leading the way in providing these Work-Based Learning opportunities for students, where they can connect what they're learning to real careers and real-world experiences,” FSUSD Superintendent Jennifer Sachs said. “We're committed to creating more opportunities for every student to explore, discover, and prepare for what's next.”
The 2025-26 school year established a strong baseline for FSUSD's Work-Based Learning efforts. Moving forward, the district will focus on expanding paid internships, strengthening business and community partnerships, increasing student awareness, and addressing barriers such as transportation and scheduling.
If you are a local business interested in learning more about supporting Work-Based Learning opportunities in FSUSD, please reach out to: Holly Whitworth, Ed.D, FSUSD Assistant Director of Secondary Education, at HollyW@fsusd.org, or 707-399-5131.