Career EXPLORATION

Cultivating the
workforce of tomorrow.

Success Breeds Success

We believe College and Career Readiness means an individual has a solid understanding of their interests, strengths and challenges with a firm grasp of the skills and abilities necessary to successfully compete in today’s fast-paced, global economy.

To be college- and career-ready, high school graduates must have studied a rigorous and broad core curriculum including financial literacy and career preparation/exploration. The Napa Valley Education Foundation supports this challenge by developing relationships and partnerships around a common goal: college and career readiness for all students.

By the numbers

1 %

of students who participate in the Summer Mentor Program are less likely than their peers to skip a day of school

1 %

of the high school students who participate in the Summer Mentor Program are hired upon completion of their internship

1 %

of students who participate in the Summer Mentorship Program are enrolled in college

Jobs that pay less,
begin with schools that get less.

Let’s change that.

NVEF job coaches help guide 200 11th and 12th grade students through the process of finding and successfully participating in an 8-12 week internship with a vetted local employer. Our mentored students are more likely to develop positive social relationships and develop better communication with their parents. They also exhibit gains in social acceptance, academic attitudes and grades.

internships

Middle School Mentor Days

1,500 8th grade students are matched with a career of interest during Middle School Mentor Day. Professionals from restaurants, engineering, law, healthcare, nonprofits, and more educate students about their career, their personal educational path and similar careers within the industry.

Summer Mentorships

100 students - interested in a deep dive into an industry participate in an 8-week paid mentoring experience. They shadow and learn about the various aspects of an entire industry and participate in a weekly professional skills class taught by the NVEF job coach.

Our Partners

Employers come together for the future. 300 local businesses offer a critical pivot point for our kids, grades 8 to 12.

Viticulture & Wine

Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation
Napa Valley Grapegrowers

Beckstoffer Vineyards
Corison Winery
Foley Family Wines
Grgich Hills Estate
Hall Wines
Hudson Ranch
Jericho Canyon Vineyards
Jessup Cellars
Larkmead Vineyards
Napa Wine Company
Opus One
Pine Ridge Vineyards
Renteria Vineyard Management
Silverado Farming Company
Tres Sabores
V.Sattui
Viader Vineyards & Winery
Walsh Vineyards Management
Yount Mill Vineyards

Healthcare

Alley Cat Small Animal Hospital
American Canyon Veterinary Hospital
Collabria Care
Cooke Orthodontics
Neuro Spring
Queen of the Valley

Building & Construction Trades

Bell Products
Craiker Architects
Napa Valley Unified School District
NOVA Group, Inc 

Legal & Law Enforcement

Jess Raphael Law
Napa County Sheriff’s Dept
International Institute of the Bay Area

Resorts & Hotels

Embassy Suites
Hilton Garden Inn & Suites
Meritage Resort & Spa
Silverado Resort & Spa
Vista Collina Resort

Restaurants

Eikos
Foodshed
Thomas Keller Restaurant Group

Join Our Summer Mentor Program

Our summer mentor programs provide students with hands on opportunities in Napa’s key industries. Learn more below.