Second Cohort of Expanded Learning Apprentices Celebrates Graduation

May 14th, 2026

Join us in congratulating our second cohort of Expanded Learning Apprentices on their recent graduation!

Graduates earned Certificates of Proficiency in Education: School Readiness, while several Apprentices also completed additional milestones including - Certificates of Proficiency in Education: Teacher’s Aide and Associate Degrees in Child Development and Teacher Preparation.

As the first-of-its-kind program in California’s Expanded Learning and Afterschool field, this innovative two-year apprenticeship model allows participants to earn college credits while simultaneously joining the workforce as part-time program leaders in youth development roles. Apprentices receive paid hands-on experience and professional development training through Girls Inc. of Alameda County while also receiving focused support in free college courses through Berkeley City College, with the opportunity to earn up to 48 transferable college units.

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The program was created to address critical challenges facing both young adults and the expanded learning workforce by: 

• Relieving the burden of choosing between work and higher education 

• Creating pathways into meaningful careers in youth development and education 

• Increasing representation of educators who reflect the lived experiences of the youth they serve 

• Investing in leaders from less-resourced communities who then reinvest their skills back into those communities

• Providing wraparound support systems that recognize challenges such as housing instability, childcare, and food insecurity 

  
  

During the celebration, graduate Sanae Hendrix reflected on her journey from afterschool program participant to young educator and mentor.

“When I was a young girl, I attended an afterschool program where I built strong connections with my program leaders that I still have to this day,” Sanae shared. “That experience showed me the importance of building connections with youth and guides how I support students in my role today.”

After working in a job where she felt there was limited opportunity for growth, Sanae discovered Girls Inc. of Alameda County’s Apprenticeship program and took a leap of faith.

“Being able to apply what I’m learning now is guiding me toward figuring out who I want to become,” she said. “What I do know is that whatever I’m going to do in this world, I’m going to continue to make a positive impact on young people’s lives.”

Now graduating with her Associate Degree in Child Development, her Associate Degree for Transfer (an AAT makes the student eligible to transfer to a 4-year university), and her Teacher’s Aide certification, Sanae represents the transformative potential of creating accessible pathways into education careers for young people in our communities.

We are incredibly proud of this cohort and grateful to the partners, supporters, and educators who continue investing in the future of youth development and education leadership in Alameda County.

Your support makes workforce development initiatives like the Expanded Learning Apprenticeship possible. Invest today to help more young leaders earn, learn, and create lasting impact in their communities.

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