In the premiere episode of Dreaming Big Working Hard, California Assemblymember David Alvarez explores the transformative power of education—through policy, personal experience, and community leadership. Joined by his first guest and wife, Xochitl Alvarez, Director of Graduate Support at Nativity Prep Academy, the two reflect on their own journeys as first-generation college students and the shared mission to expand educational opportunities for all.

This episode dives into the role of early college and career conversations, the challenges and cultural barriers first-gen students face, the impact of social media and technology in the classroom, and the innovative policies California is pursuing to meet the needs of a changing workforce—including the bold vision of a new university in Chula Vista.

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Key moments from this episode: 

00:00 – David’s personal connection to education
02:05 – Xochitl Alvarez explains the 11-year support model
04:35 – Importance of early career exposure for middle schoolers
08:04 – Lifelong learning and competency-based education
10:22 – Cell phones, social media, and student well-being
17:40 – Cultural barriers to going away for college
21:09 – Success through structured academic planning
28:01 – Investing in career conversations at younger ages
30:47 – Expanding bachelor’s degrees at community colleges
39:44 – Why nursing was chosen for Chula Vista university

In the premiere episode of Dreaming Big Working Hard, California Assemblymember <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvarezsd/">David Alvarez </a>explores the transformative power of education&mdash;through policy, personal experience, and community leadership. Joined by his first guest and wife, Xochitl Alvarez, Director of Graduate Support at Nativity Prep Academy, the two reflect on their own journeys as first-generation college students and the shared mission to expand educational opportunities for all.
This episode dives into the role of early college and career conversations, the challenges and cultural barriers first-gen students face, the impact of social media and technology in the classroom, and the innovative policies California is pursuing to meet the needs of a changing workforce&mdash;including the bold vision of a new university in Chula Vista.
Don&rsquo;t forget to follow and subscribe at <a href="olasmedia.com">olasmedia.com</a>
Key moments from this episode:&nbsp;
00:00 &ndash; David&rsquo;s personal connection to education 02:05 &ndash; Xochitl Alvarez explains the 11-year support model 04:35 &ndash; Importance of early career exposure for middle schoolers 08:04 &ndash; Lifelong learning and competency-based education 10:22 &ndash; Cell phones, social media, and student well-being 17:40 &ndash; Cultural barriers to going away for college 21:09 &ndash; Success through structured academic planning 28:01 &ndash; Investing in career conversations at younger ages 30:47 &ndash; Expanding bachelor&rsquo;s degrees at community colleges 39:44 &ndash; Why nursing was chosen for Chula Vista university

Dreaming Big | Working Hard with David Alvarez is a podcast about people, policy, and the power of opportunity. Hosted by California Assemblymember David Alvarez, each episode dives into the issues shaping our communities, from housing and education to economic and environmental justice. Through candid conversations with policymakers, community leaders, and everyday changemakers, David explores how dreaming big and working hard can create real, lasting progress.

Dreaming Big | Working Hard with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvarezsd/">David Alvarez</a> is a podcast about people, policy, and the power of opportunity. Hosted by California Assemblymember David Alvarez, each episode dives into the issues shaping our communities, from housing and education to economic and environmental justice. Through candid conversations with policymakers, community leaders, and everyday changemakers, David explores how dreaming big and working hard can create real, lasting progress.

Dreaming Big | Working Hard

Dreaming Big | Working Hard with David Alvarez is a podcast about people, policy, and the power of opportunity. Hosted by California Assemblymember David Alvarez, each episode dives into the issues shaping our communities, from housing and education to economic and environmental justice. Through candid conversations with policymakers, community leaders, and everyday changemakers, David explores how dreaming big and working hard can create real, lasting progress.

To know more visit: http://davidalvarez.com/

Dreaming Big | Working Hard with David Alvarez is a podcast about people, policy, and the power of opportunity. Hosted by California Assemblymember David Alvarez, each episode dives into the issues shaping our communities, from housing and education to economic and environmental justice. Through candid conversations with policymakers, community leaders, and everyday changemakers, David explores how dreaming big and working hard can create real, lasting progress.
To know more visit: http://davidalvarez.com/

Education Is Opportunity: A Conversation with Xochitl Alvarez

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/d57f2f8a-7bab-4064-9571-ae7c0139f8ec/clips/64133f74-9bb1-44e4-9f16-b2dc01465b0a/transcript

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