NextGen Policy’s OYA Career Pathway Program Exceeds Expectations, Helps Sacramento County’s Justice-Impacted Young Adults Build Careers

For Immediate Release: January 20, 2026

Contact: Tyler Bushnell, tyler.bushnell@nextgenpolicy.org 

SACRAMENTO – NextGen Policy, a California-based, Black-led, nonprofit organization advancing progressive, justice-centered policies and programs, today is previewing the strong results of its Opportunity Young Adult (OYA) Career Pathway Program, a first-of-its-kind workforce initiative focused on empowering justice-involved young adults in Sacramento County. Funded by the California Employment Development Department (EDD) through a $1.78 million federal grant, the program exceeded its initial goals of helping participants secure stable employment and chart new pathways toward economic mobility.

The OYA Career Pathway Program provides comprehensive support to help young adults ages 18-28 overcome systemic barriers to employment in California. Through career and life planning, certification programs, on-the-job training, and trauma-informed case management, participants gain both technical and personal skills needed to thrive in high-demand industries such as manufacturing, public service logistics, construction, fire service, and information technology.

"This is a wonderful program, it's really for the youth and the people," said Zaryan Hall, OYA program participant. "The whole purpose is to empower the youth and keep them moving forward, giving them something they can look forward to and do with their life — it's really wonderful."

The OYA program built sustained momentum, maintaining focus on helping participants transition from training into sustainable employment while strengthening job readiness and retention. The program fostered deep community collaboration with employer and training partners, expanding follow-up efforts, and ensuring that participants received consistent, individualized support throughout their career development journey. 

To date, the program has surpassed its original enrollment goals by 60% and secured the following results:

• 192 total number of participants entered the program since October 2024
• 31 public and private partners
• 52 OYA participants enrolled in training programs or higher education
• 71 OYA participants completed a credentialed program
• 82 OYA participants secured jobs; with an average hourly rate of $21.15

“NextGen Policy set out to redefine what workforce opportunity looks like for justice-impacted young adults and the results speak for themselves,” said Dr. Ken Spence, Senior Policy Advisor at NextGen Policy. “These outcomes show that when we invest in our people, remove barriers, and build intentional support systems, we unlock potential that transforms not just individuals, but entire communities. The NextGen team looks forward to continuing our work with our partners to help reinforce and strengthen California’s workforce.”

The OYA Career Pathway Program builds on NextGen Policy’s broader mission to ensure equitable access to opportunity and to strengthen California’s workforce through inclusive, community-driven strategies. The collaboration with The Clover Agency and the implementation of its proven ‘Pathway to Careers’ model have been essential in achieving these results, creating a framework that is replicable across other regions and populations.

As NextGen Policy looks ahead, the organization plans to find ways of continuing the program through 2026 and beyond.

About NextGen Policy

NextGen Policy is a nonprofit advocacy organization that breaks down barriers and rebalances power in the State Capitol on behalf of all Californians.

About The Clover Agency

The Clover Agency is a program management consultancy with a simple belief: everyone, regardless of their background, native language, culture, sexual orientation, age, or race, deserves an equal opportunity to embark on a fulfilling career journey. Our commitment to this belief serves as the cornerstone of our program model, designed to empower learners of all ages. We are dedicated to helping all individuals navigate the transitions and milestones that lead to successful, meaningful careers, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant economy for all.