Career Exploration and Discovery

LEAF’s Career Exploration and Discovery (CED) Program addresses the specific needs of Latinx students in East San José, providing them and their families with comprehensive career exploration and preparation resources. Our program is designed to bridge the gap between students’ academic experiences and their future career aspirations, ensuring they are prepared for meaningful, well-paying careers in Silicon Valley.

Why This Matters

Many low-income students from under-resourced schools struggle to connect their education to their future careers, leading to academic disengagement. This challenge is exacerbated by a lack of career counseling and post-high school planning. Our program combats this by providing the tools and resources students need to pursue careers that offer living wages, rather than settling for minimum-wage jobs.

Become a CED Scholar

Support your future by joining a program built for first-gen students like you — gain mentorship, career resources, and the networks that open doors to opportunity.

Why CED Matters

Many first-generation students face career decisions without guidance. CED gives you the tools, mentorship, and community to move forward with confidence.

What You'll Get

  • $750 scholarship distributed over 18 months

  • A Career Mentor paired to your goals

  • Job & internship opportunities

  • Q&A panels and workshops with first-gen professionals

  • Resume & LinkedIn support

  • Professional headshots

Info Sessions

Come learn what the CED Program is all about!

Thursday, May 7 | 5:00 PM

Tuesday, May 26 | 5:00 PM

Wednesday, June 17 | 12:00 PM

Thursday, July 2 | 12:00 PM

Questions? Email the CED team: ced@leafca.org

What We Offer

Connections to Silicon Valley

We connect students to real career opportunities and professional networks in Silicon Valley.

  • Learn about local jobs and wages

  • Explore career pathways

  • Connect with Latinx professionals and mentors

  • Build networks that support career mobility

Application Preparation & Support

We prepare students to stand out and succeed in the job search.

  • Résumé and cover letter development

  • Interview preparation

  • Guidance on building a strong online presence

  • Professional headshots for all CED participants

  • Coaching to show up confidently and authentically

Career Pathways Exploration

We help students explore education and training paths that lead to long-term careers.

  • Certificate and trade programs

  • College degree pathways

  • Graduate school options

  • Ongoing skill-building and résumé support

Meet The Team

Jacqueline Ramírez

Program Manager

Jennifer Muñoz

Senior Program Coordinator

Get Involved!

Support Aspiring Professionals

As a Career Mentor or volunteer, you will help students navigate career paths, build confidence, and achieve their professional goals.

Whether you can commit to a short- or long-term investment, our Volunteer Interest Form lists multiple ways to be involved and create a wave of impact in their bright futures.

Together, we can shape the next generation of leaders.

Learn More