Through the Catalyst grants awarded by our Uplift Coalition in partnership with California Jobs First, dozens of projects are moving forward to expand career-connected education and workforce infrastructure across the Central Coast.
Out of 36 projects awarded a total of $9 million, several are directly strengthening the pipeline into space, aviation, precision manufacturing, and advanced tech careers — creating new on-ramps into good-paying jobs.
We’re also seeding community-led solutions across child care, food systems, the Blue Economy, and more, building a stronger, more inclusive regional economy from the ground up.
Together, these projects reflect a powerful alignment of regional initiative, strategy, and state and federal investment — all working in concert to build a more inclusive and resilient economy. From early education to advanced training, the Central Coast is positioning itself to meet the moment — and lead in the future of innovation.
Find descriptions of all 36 Catalyst projects here.
Higher education + workforce
- Aviation technician training
Cuesta College is exploring options for a permanent home for its rapidly growing aviation maintenance technician program — launched with support from ACI Jet to help
meet a regional shortage of skilled workers and open pathways into well-paying careers. - New cybersecurity degree program
Allan Hancock College and Cuesta College are teaming up to launch a cybersecurity degree and other programs aimed at preparing students for high-demand, high-wage careers in tech and aerospace-related fields. - Expanding skilled trade apprenticeships
Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry Local 403 is expanding its training center to accommodate a 20% increase in apprenticeships — addressing workforce needs across multiple infrastructure sectors. - Commercial space education + training
Cal Poly Partners is developing an education and training hub to support the Paso Robles Spaceport project, preparing students for careers in the commercial space economy. - Advanced semiconductor prototyping facility
UC Santa Barbara will build on the success of its NanoFab with a new open-access prototyping facility that will house $15 million in advanced equipment and provide workforce training.
K12 + early career exposure
- Precision manufacturing career pathways
A Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber-led initiative will connect K–14 students with industry mentors to strengthen awareness and access to careers in precision and advanced manufacturing. - Regional skills lab expansion
San Luis Coastal Education Foundation is expanding its iINNOVATE initiative to bring hands-on STEM learning to 10,000 more students across SLO, Santa Barbara and Monterey Counties. - Early STEM immersion
The UCSB Innovation Workshop Future Makers program will introduce 3rd–8th grade students to real fabrication tools like 3D printers and soldering irons — sparking early interest in STEM careers through hands-on learning. - STEM access for Black youth in Lompoc
Gateway Educational Services is launching a program to support Black/African American youth in Lompoc through targeted job training, mentorship, and career exploration in high-paying STEM fields.
Extending the ecosystem: Advanced Air Mobility
Two wider regional initiatives are laying the foundation for a next-gen mobility sector — think autonomous drones, electric air taxis, and smart airspace coordination.
- Central Coast Advanced Air Mobility Ecosystem
A six-county initiative to build career pathways in electric aircraft maintenance and strengthen infrastructure to support this fast-growing sector. - Ventura County Advanced Air Mobility Innovation Center
A partnership to establish a 500-square-mile testing range for uncrewed aircraft and eVTOL technologies based at Camarillo and Oxnard airports, fueling innovation and real-world deployment.
Growing a resilient, inclusive economy
- Santa Barbara Ocean Collective
A Santa Barbara City College-led initiative expanding career training and access to jobs in the Blue Economy and ocean industries. Read more - EmpowerPath
A new program from Women’s Economic Ventures initiative to help single parents secure stable jobs and housing while balancing caregiving. Read more - Central Coast Resilient Food Systems
Led by the Santa Barbara County Food Action Network, this project builds capacity across the regional food system through resource sharing and network building. - Childcare Workforce Expansion Project
A Children’s Resource and Referral of Santa Barbara County initiative to create 500+ new childcare spaces in Santa Barbara and beyond. - Regionwide Child Care Coalition
A First 5 SLO County-led collaboration to improve access to affordable, high-quality child care. Read more - Promotores Institute
A Vision y Compromiso program that trains promotoras to be community leaders and advocates for economic equity. - Full Employment
A VTC Enterprises project empowering people with disabilities to upskill, enter the workforce, and advance in their careers. - Resilient Cuyama
A Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center effort that equips residents with skills in clean energy, regenerative agriculture, and ecological restoration - STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture
A Students for Eco-Education & Agriculture (SeeAg) initiative to inspire students to explore sustainability and innovation-focused careers in agriculture. Read more
