Highway to Health Care Careers

Published: September 1, 2026

Oakland Unified School District’s Highway to Work program is helping local graduates take their first steps toward health care careers. With support from the Employment Development Department’s (EDD) Opportunity Young Adult Career Pathway Program, students can earn while they train, gain hands-on experience, and earn industry-recognized credentials.

Now in its fourth year, Highway to Work connects young adults with training for careers as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Certified Nursing Assistants, and Emergency Room Technicians. Students begin training soon after graduation and receive stipends while completing clinical rotations, building workplace skills, and earning certifications.

The program’s support helps remove some of the financial barriers that can make it difficult for young people to get started. EDD funding, along with support from Sutter Health, Alameda Health System, and other partners, helps cover stipends, tuition, certification costs, and hands-on training.

Program Manager Monica Linzner said EDD’s investment has helped the program grow.

“Funding from EDD allowed us to expand… and focus on creating programs that will support our Oakland Unified graduates in a fully supported and robust way.”

Helping Young Adults Take Their Next Step

For many young adults, figuring out what comes after high school can be challenging. Some are ready to enter the workforce, while others plan to attend community college or are still deciding what comes next.

Highway to Work gives graduates a chance to explore a career while receiving the training and support they need to move forward. In the summer of 2026, 32 students completed the program, and 34 more are enrolled in the fall cohort, which began August 24.

Students receive support throughout the program and after they complete their training. Follow-up services help them stay connected to employment, education, or additional training as they continue building their careers.

Finding a Path Forward, Gilberto’s Story

For Skyline High School graduate Gilberto Cruz, Highway to Work helped turn an interest in emergency medicine into a possible career.

Gilberto entered the EMT pathway unsure of how to pursue his interest in health care. Through the program, he gained hands-on experience, including ambulance ride-alongs, that gave him a closer look at the work and strengthened his goal of becoming a paramedic.

Financial support also made it possible for Gilberto to participate without worrying about tuition and other costs. Instead, he could focus on learning, gaining experience, and preparing for his next step.

Students complete the training in about 8 to 10 weeks, earning industry-recognized certifications while building the skills and confidence they need to enter the health care workforce.

A Strong Start to a Career

Highway to Work is more than a summer training program. It gives Oakland graduates a chance to earn, learn, and gain real-world experience while exploring a career in health care. With support from EDD’s funding and community partners, the program is helping young adults overcome financial barriers, build confidence, and take a clear next step toward a career.

For graduates who may not know exactly what comes next, Highway to Work offers something valuable: a supported place to start.

Ready to take your next step? Explore more opportunities, resources, and career pathways at Stronger Jobs, Stronger Communities and find a path that’s right for you.

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