OnTrack 2024

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lsWf7Q2zHg

United Way Bay Area (UWBA) hosted its annual OnTrack Career Fair, which provides Bay Area youth with direct access to career professionals across various industries. The outdoor event, organized by the Youth Opportunities Pathways program, was held on the garden terrace of the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA).

For years, OnTrack has been more than a youth networking event; it’s a transformative experience designed to equip young people with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to navigate their future educational and career goals. It has served as a bridge between the youth in our region and the professional world, offering them a rare opportunity to engage with industry experts.

This year, attending students had the chance to learn about various industries, from technology and medical research to retail and finance from more than 20 corporate partners and numerous volunteers who supported the event. At each table, youth could ask questions, explore the possibilities, and gain insights into the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in their chosen fields.

In addition to one-on-one conversations with career professionals, OnTrack offered an informative and interactive panel discussion with representatives from Waymo, Target, and Abbvie covering topics ranging from choosing a career and interview techniques to the importance of being you and building on your personal story.

As a center designed for creative exploration, the OMCA proved to be an inspiring backdrop for OnTrack, encouraging students to expand their perspectives and approach their future careers with the same curiosity they apply to art. After the event, youth enjoyed the venue’s unique environment and were reminded to think big and pursue their dreams.

Every OnTrack event reminds us of access and opportunity’s profound impact on young lives. OnTrack 2024 is no different. The connections made, the knowledge gained, and the inspiration sparked at this year’s event will guide our Bay Area students as they embark on their career journeys.

A special thanks to all our community and corporate partners, the vendors that took part, and OMCA for helping to make OnTrack a success! We look forward to continuing this important work with you and seeing the incredible achievements of these young people.

For those who couldn’t attend this year, we hope to see you at OnTrack 2025, where we will continue to create a space for our Bay Area youth to access career opportunities to help them reach their full potential and thrive.