District partners with local employers to connect classroom learning to real-world careers
FOLSOM — Classrooms across the Folsom Cordova Unified School District extended far beyond campus walls on Feb. 3 as students took part in the district’s 2026 Career Technical Education Job Shadow Day, an immersive, hands-on experience designed to connect academic learning with real-world careers and introduce students to the opportunities that await them after graduation.
Hosted by Folsom Cordova Unified School District, the annual event paired students with local businesses, public agencies and industry professionals for a day of on-site job shadowing across a wide range of career pathways. The experience allowed students to step directly into professional environments, observe day-to-day operations and engage with working experts in fields they are considering for their futures.
Throughout the day, students explored diverse Career Technical Education pathways that included engineering, computer science, medical and health sciences, construction, finance, design, public service and the arts. By seeing these careers in action, students gained a clearer understanding of how classroom instruction translates into practical skills, professional expectations and long-term career possibilities.
District leaders say the goal of Job Shadow Day is not only to expose students to potential careers, but also to help them make informed decisions about education and training after high school. For industry partners, the event offers an opportunity to connect with and inspire the future workforce while highlighting the value of strong partnerships between schools and the local business community.
Following their job shadow experiences, students and participating business partners gathered for a catered luncheon that served as another example of career learning in action. The meal was prepared and served entirely by students enrolled in the Cordova High School Culinary Arts pathway, demonstrating the real-world application of skills taught through FCUSD’s CTE programs and showcasing the high caliber of student learning taking place across the district.
The luncheon featured student reflections on their job shadow experiences, with many sharing how spending time in professional settings helped them better understand career expectations and clarified interests they hope to pursue after graduation. The gathering also highlighted the district’s broader commitment to career readiness and experiential learning.
Superintendent Erik Swanson addressed students and partners during the luncheon, underscoring the importance of hands-on learning and the role community partnerships play in helping students envision what is possible for their futures. District officials emphasized that initiatives like Job Shadow Day strengthen connections between education and industry while ensuring students graduate with both academic knowledge and practical insight.
A wide range of local employers and organizations participated in this year’s event, welcoming students into their workplaces and offering firsthand exposure to a variety of professions. Participating partners included Dokken Engineering, Cresleigh Homes California, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, SAFE Credit Union, Garment Graphics, Marshall Medical Center, McCarthy, No Fluff Selling, City of Folsom, Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, Golden Bay Mortgage Group, Sparrow Gallery, Crocker Art Museum, Verge Center for the Arts, Sacramento Police Department, Portlight Creative, Caltrans Headquarters, Wood Family Dentistry, Folsom Teen Therapy, ACM and HED Architects.
“FCUSD extends its gratitude to all CTE teachers, staff, community partners, and students who made this day a success, the district shared. “Together, we are opening doors, building skills, and preparing students for what comes next.”
As FCUSD continues to expand and strengthen its CTE offerings, district leaders stress that experiences like Job Shadow Day are essential to preparing students for what comes next. By connecting education directly to industry, the district aims to ensure students graduate with practical skills, career awareness and a clearer vision for their future paths.
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