CTE/DARTE Ambassador Program

The Program of Practice

The problem of practice addressed by the CTE Ambassador Program is that many adult learners and CTE students face barriers in accessing career readiness resources, professional networking, and workplace exposure. Additionally, English Language Learners (ELLs) often struggle to navigate educational pathways and integrate into the workforce due to language barriers and a lack of guidance.

These challenges result in:

Limited awareness of career opportunities and CTE programs.
Lack of structured support for career preparation, including resume building, interview skills, and digital literacy.
Reduced engagement among ELL students in CTE programs due to cultural and linguistic barriers.
Fewer connections to industry and work-based learning opportunities.
The CTE Ambassador Program was developed to directly address these issues by offering a structured, peer-supported initiative that enhances workforce readiness, increases access to career exploration tools, and improves engagement with CTE pathways. Through cross-training in key areas, ambassadors serve as bridges between students, faculty, and community partners, ensuring that adult learners have the resources and support needed for successful employment and educational transitions.

The Response

The CTE Ambassador Program at San Joaquin Delta College responded to the problem of practice by creating a structured, student-led initiative that provides career readiness, outreach, and peer support to adult learners, Career Technical Education (CTE) students, and English Language Learners (ELLs).

Key Responses to the Problem of Practice
Developing a Leadership & Peer Support Model
Trained CTE Ambassadors to guide and mentor their peers, providing relatable, accessible support.
Created a structured training program in seven key areas to ensure ambassadors develop leadership and workforce skills.
Established a Dress for Success Policy to promote professionalism and workplace readiness.
Expanding Access to Career Readiness Resources
Provided peer-led career workshops on LinkedIn, resume building, and interview preparation to address gaps in digital literacy and job search skills.
Created structured opportunities for students to connect with work-based learning, internships, and employer networks.
Increasing Engagement in CTE & Workforce Pathways
Implemented VR career exploration tools to introduce students to different career options in an interactive way.
Used the CTE Van for mobile outreach, ensuring students at remote locations or community events have access to information and resources.
Partnered with faculty and counselors to embed career readiness into the student experience.
Supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) in CTE
Provided one-on-one guidance and peer mentorship to help ELL students navigate CTE pathways.
Created a welcoming, culturally sensitive environment to foster ELL student success.
Addressing Barriers to Professional Success
Launched the CTE Clothes Closet, offering free professional attire for students attending interviews or networking events.
Reinforced customer service, communication, and time management skills through front desk responsibilities and workforce readiness training.
Through these strategies, the CTE Ambassador Program has increased student engagement, improved career preparedness, and expanded access to workforce opportunities, making it a model for scalable and replicable adult education programs.

The Unique Features of the Program

The CTE Ambassador Program stands out due to its innovative, student-centered approach to workforce development and career readiness. Here are the unique features that make this program a model for adult education:

1. Cross-Training in Multiple Workforce Areas
Unlike traditional peer mentorship programs, CTE Ambassadors receive cross-training in seven key areas, allowing them to develop a diverse skill set that benefits both their peers and their own career paths. These areas include:

Front Desk Duties (customer service, time management)
Career Platforms (resume writing, LinkedIn, job search skills)
CTE Recruitment (public speaking, event planning, outreach)
CTE Design & Communications (digital marketing, social media, branding)
Supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) (mentorship, cultural competency)
CTE Clothes Closet (inventory management, professional attire access)
CTE Van & VR Goggles (mobile outreach, technology integration)
2. Hands-On, Peer-Led Career Support
Ambassadors serve as peer mentors, offering accessible and relatable guidance to fellow students.
Monthly career readiness workshops are led by students for students, covering resume building, interview skills, and digital literacy.
The peer-to-peer model fosters a sense of community and engagement, making career services more approachable and inclusive.
3. Integration of Emerging Technologies
Virtual Reality (VR) career exploration allows students to experience job environments firsthand, improving engagement in career planning.
The CTE Van brings mobile workforce development resources to students, expanding outreach to underserved areas.
4. Addressing Barriers to Success Beyond the Classroom
The CTE Clothes Closet provides free professional attire, helping students prepare for job interviews and workplace expectations.
A structured Dress for Success Policy instills professionalism and workplace readiness.
The program builds soft skills in customer service, teamwork, communication, and leadership, which are critical for long-term career success.
5. Scalable and Replicable Model for Adult Education
The structured training program allows the model to be easily adopted by other adult education providers.
The use of student leadership reduces program costs while enhancing student engagement.
Partnerships with faculty, career centers, and workforce agencies ensure alignment with regional workforce needs.
6. Strengthening ELL & Adult Learner Engagement
Ambassadors provide one-on-one guidance to English Language Learners (ELLs) navigating CTE pathways.
A culturally sensitive, inclusive approach helps adult learners feel supported as they transition into career programs.
These unique features make the CTE Ambassador Program an innovative, scalable model that effectively bridges the gap between adult education and workforce success.

The Outcome

The CTE Ambassador Program at San Joaquin Delta College has demonstrated measurable success in career readiness, student engagement, and workforce placement. The following outcomes are supported by data collected from student participation, employer feedback, and program impact assessments.

1. Increased Student Engagement in Career Readiness Activities

Over 500 students have participated in CTE Ambassador-led career workshops on resume building, LinkedIn, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
85% of students who attended a workshop reported an increase in confidence when applying for jobs.
The CTE Van and VR career exploration tools have reached more than 300 students at recruitment events and job fairs.
2. Improved Workforce Preparation and Employment Outcomes

70% of students who engaged with CTE Ambassadors for career services reported securing a job, internship, or apprenticeship within six months.
60% of students who received guidance on career platforms successfully created a LinkedIn profile and professional resume.
Employer feedback from work-based learning partners indicated that students trained by CTE Ambassadors were more prepared for workplace expectations.
3. Expansion of CTE Awareness and Enrollment Growth

CTE program inquiries at the Workforce Development Center increased by 40% after the launch of the Ambassador-led outreach initiatives.
Enrollment in CTE programs grew by 15% in the past academic year, with high school outreach efforts being a key contributing factor.
The peer-led recruitment model resulted in higher engagement from non-traditional students, including adult learners and English Language Learners (ELLs).
4. Increased Access to Professional Attire & Workplace Readiness

The CTE Clothes Closet provided over 200 students with free professional clothing, helping them prepare for interviews and workplace settings.
90% of students who accessed the Clothes Closet stated that they felt more confident attending interviews.
5. Strengthening English Language Learner (ELL) Support

100+ ELL students received one-on-one guidance from CTE Ambassadors in navigating career pathways.
Faculty and staff reported greater ELL student retention in CTE programs due to the peer support model.
Supporting Data Sources
Student participation records from career readiness workshops.
Post-workshop surveys measuring student confidence and job application readiness.
Workforce Development Center enrollment and inquiry reports.
Employer feedback surveys from work-based learning partners.
Student placement data collected through follow-up surveys and workforce tracking systems.
These outcomes demonstrate that the CTE Ambassador Program is making a measurable impact on student success, workforce preparation, and CTE enrollment growth. The scalability and replicability of the model make it an ideal candidate for recognition as a California Adult Education Model Program.