Become an Advancing San Diego Verified Program 

Through an employer-led process, Advancing San Diego verifies educational programs that are meeting (or exceeding) industry expectations in five key areas. Programs that meet the standards set by employers are publicly recognized as Verified Programs of Talent (formerly called ‘Preferred Providers’). The application is a two-part process: 1) A written application evaluating enrollment and completion data as well as curriculum; 2) In-person event where education programs have the opportunity to network with industry and share their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Scores from both parts of the application are combined to determine designation. All applicants will receive feedback after the review process.

Programs are assessed in five key areas:

BENEFITS:

Programs that are verified by employers join a network of programs that benefit from:

• Employer recognized curriculum.
• A spot on EDC’s “short-list” for industry partnerships.
• Networking opportunities with regional employers and workforce partners.
• Public recognition through EDC’s marketing channels, feature on EDC’s talent dashboard, and highlights on EDC’s blog.
• Access to paid work-based learning opportunities for students.

2024 TIMELINE:

• June 12:  Verified Program application opens for computing and engineering programs
  • Programs designated in 2023 do not need to apply. This opportunity is for programs that did not submit an application or were not verified in 2023.
• June 13: 2024 Talent Demand Report for business occupations released
• June 13: Verified Program application opens for business programs
  • All interested programs must submit an application
• July-October: One-on-one meetings with EDC team for program applicants
  • The Border Region K-16 Talent Pipeline Collaborative has arranged Community of Practice meetings for any publicly funded programs interested. More information here.
• September 27: All Verified Program applications due (part one)
• October 17: Deadline for EDC to send Verified Program application decisions (part one)
• October 17-October 31: Meetings with programs and EDC team moving forward to Verified Program application part two preparation
• November 13: Verified Program Designation Day
  • Verified Program application part two: Programs network with industry to share diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at in-person event
• December 12: Verified Programs official announcement

RESOURCES:

• Verified Program application for business (email EDC for unique link)
  • Talent Demand Report
  • Application Guide
  • Rubric
• Verified Program application for computing (email EDC for unique link)
  • Talent Demand Report
  • Application Guide
  • Rubric
• Verified Program application for engineering (email EDC for unique link)
  • Talent Demand Report
  • Application Guide
  • Rubric

Verified Program FAQ

For more resources, read the Talent Demand Reports to fully understand what employers are looking for in a Verified Program. New reports will be released late Spring 2024.