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Our Impact

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2025 RESULTS

Employers Grow OC’s Innovation Future

2017-2025 Impact Measures
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Young people engaged in Career Experiences with OC employers, building professional skills and networks. – 9 out of 10 want to explore jobs with their host company.
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early-career professionals participating as OC Fellows and alumni – 90% still work in OC.
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AI Talent Lab reached 7,800 participants through panels, summits, and ecosystem events, and 250+ high school and college students completed industry- sponsored AI projects, micro-internships, and certifications.

Sector-focused Coalitions are closing critical talent gaps

  • Healthcare (launched late 2024)
  • MedTech (launched late 2025)

Kaiser Permanente Gets OC Students Ready for In-Demand Healthcare Jobs

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Measurable impact

High Engagement, High Impact

EXPLORE CLAOC IMPACT STORIES
“Being connected with a network of so many ambitious young professionals in OC has been really valuable. The design of the OC Fellows program makes it easy to make connections and develop a real sense of community.”
Sydney MayerSenior Research & Development Engineer, Edwards Lifesciences
Sydney Mayer
“This experience has helped me get clearer on what I want to do after college. I’ve learned to speak up and contribute my ideas. I’ll be ready to go after the job of my dreams and make a real difference with my career.”
Ashlie BenitezHarvard University Student, Economics and Psychology
Ashlie Benitez
“I really appreciate that the OC Fellows program provides opportunities for us to give back. As a mentor, I get the chance to share advice and help guide a younger person, and I learn from them, too.”
Kendra WashingtonLife Sciences Engineer Builds Community in OC
Kendra Washington
“Evolus really supported us and gave us so many opportunities. I had real responsibility for my projects, and my experience there was instrumental in helping me win my current product management role.”
Sam HartmanEvolus Intern Scores a Marketing Job After Earning Her MBA
Sam Hartman
“There are great companies here in OC that I wouldn’t have known about without the Career Exploration Experience. My CEE with Ingram Micro was instrumental in helping me secure a full internship the following year.”
Jake KondoUC San Diego, Mathematics-Computer Science Major, from Costa Mesa
Jake Kondo

CLAOC’s Growing Reach and Impact

TALENT
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young people engaged in on-the-job learning and skill-building opportunities.
TALENT
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early-career professionals participated in the OC Fellows. 90% still work for OC companies.
CAPITAL
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The SC Master Fund raised $117 million from 210 local investors and invested in local VCs and startups, helping create 11,500 jobs – most in innovation fields.
CAPITAL
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Advocated for the State of California to designate $200 million of public funds to invest in diverse entrepreneurs, with 60% to be invested in SoCal.

Ecosystem Builder

CLAOC has been a launchpad for these organizations, now operating independently and delivering impact locally and nationally.

Southern California Master Fund

Since 2011, SC Master Fund has helped mobilize $197.5 million across the Master Fund, SPVs, and direct VC investments to strengthen the innovation economy in Southern California and beyond, helping generate nearly 18,000 new jobs in the region.

Backed by 290 limited partners and investors — 85% based in Southern California — the Fund connects regional capital and expertise with venture funds and promising startups. 

Under a separate entity and board, CLAOC launched SC Master Fund as Southern California’s first VC fund focused on supporting innovation and entrepreneurs in the region. Its model reflects a growing local commitment to building the relationships, investment capacity, and entrepreneurial momentum needed for a thriving innovation ecosystem.

Visit SC Master Fund

National Talent Collaborative

The National Talent Collaborative (NTC), launched under the leadership of CLAOC and its co-founder Doug Wilson, is now an independent 501(c)(3) organization that extends CLAOC’s mission to a national scale—bringing together regional and national partners to connect education, business, and community leaders in building scalable pathways that close America’s talent and opportunity gaps.

visit National Talent Collaborative
2024 Results

Strengthening Ties Between OC Employers and Top OC Talent

CLAOC continues to drive progress around our unified mission to grow OC into a premier, inclusive, innovation Talent Hub.

2023 Impact Report
Regional Innovation Dashboard
TALENT
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young people engaged in on-the-job learning opportunities across 40 companies through 5 different pilot programs.
TALENT
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early-career professionals participated in the OC Fellows. 90% still work for OC companies.
CAPITAL
$ 0 M
The SC Master Fund raised $71 million from local investors and invested in 59 local startups that now employ 7,182 people – most in innovation jobs.
CAPITAL
$ 0 M
Advocated for the State of California to designate $200 million of public funds to invest in diverse entrepreneurs, with 60% to be invested in SoCal.