K-16 AI Convening

Work Ready in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Equipping Students for Careers in an AI-Powered Workforce

K-16 Regional Convening

Friday, September 25, 2026
San Diego Mesa College

This interactive regional convening will explore how AI is being integrated across industries and provide practical strategies for aligning curriculum, career pathways, and student experiences with workforce needs. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to help students thrive in an AI-enabled economy.

High School, Adult Ed, Community College and University Educators, and Industry Partners are invited to join us to explore how AI is transforming today’s workforce:

Hear how employers are integrating AI and the skills they seek in
entry-level talent
Explore strategies to align education and training with workforce needs
Prepare students and future workers for AI-enabled careers
Connect with educators, employers, and workforce leaders
Register your interest in attending the K-16 Collaborative Regional AI Convening by Friday, September 18, 2026. We encourage you to register your interest now! Due to capacity restrictions, registration will close when full, and is not guaranteed to stay open until Sept 18th.

Due to limited capacity, we want to ensure that all K-16 segments and content areas are represented. Be on the lookout for an email to confirm your registration and a calendar invitation!

Segments = High School, Adult Education, Community College and University, Employer, Workforce Partner

*Please note that submitting the registration form does not guarantee registration. Registrations will be confirmed via separate email no later than Monday, September 21, 2026. San Diego and Imperial County educators and industry will receive priority confirmation.

Convening Details:

  • AUDIENCE:
    High School, Adult Education, Community College, and University Educators & Administrators across all programs/pathways

    (Teachers, College/University Faculty, Department Chairs, Instructional Coordinators, Counselors, TOSAs, Administrators, Deans, Assistant Deans, Program Leads)
    Employers & Workforce Partners

  • WHEN: Friday, September 25, 2026
    Breakfast & Check-in at 8:30am
    Event at 9:00 am – 3:00pm

  • WHERE: San Diego Mesa College
    7250 Mesa College Dr, San Diego, CA 92111
    MC 211 (Mesa Commons)

  • WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE CONVENING:
    • Hear how employers are integrating AI and the skills they seek in
      entry-level talent
    • Explore strategies to align education and training with workforce needs
    • Prepare students and future workers for AI-enabled careers
    • Connect with educators, employers, and workforce leaders
  • FREE REGISTRATION & PARKING 
    Continental breakfast and lunch provided




TENTATIVE AGENDA 
*subject to change. A detailed agenda is coming soon!

8:30-9:00 am            Check-in & Continental Breakfast
9:00-9:15 am            Welcome,  Details for the Day
9:20-9:50 am            Data Presentations from SDREDC and SDWP
9:55-10:35 am          Industry Panel 
10:35-10:50 am      Transition
10:50-12:10 pm       Breakout: Industry-Driven Discussions (industry & educators)
12:10-12:45 pm       Hosted Lunch
12:45-1:00pm          SDCCD Data Presentation
1:05-1:45 pm            Educator Panel
1:45-2:00 pm            Transition
2:00-3:00 pm            Breakout: Educator Discussions (educators only)

Questions about the event? Email christine@k16talentpipeline.org

SDWP Launches New AI Report

The San Diego Regional EDC and San Diego Workforce Partnership have been gathering feedback from employers. At the AI convening, they will share how AI is transforming San Diego’s labor market, what these shifts mean for local companies, sectors, occupations and workers, and how the regional workforce system can support them. Click on the image to the left to check out the SDWP report!

Presenters and Panelists

More coming soon!

Bridgette Coleman headshot

Bridgette Coleman

Program Manager, Talent Initiatives

San Diego Regional EDC

Teddy Martinez

Vice President, Strategic & Policy Initiatives

San Diego Workforce Partnership