09/15/2026
Young people care about their communities, but sometimes they need a clear invitation to participate. Our Student Advisory Board (SAB) began the school year with a goal: help more young people understand that their voices matter. At the Career Expo, we had an opportunity to put that goal into action.
SAB member and Leigh High School junior Brandon Kessel attended the Expo and spoke with civic leaders, community volunteers, and local alumni about how students can move from awareness to action.
The SAB joined the League of Women Voters, the Education Foundation, and accomplished Campbell Union High School District alumni in connecting with hundreds of students who were beginning to think seriously about their futures.
Our message was simple: Civic engagement is not separate from your future. It is part of it.
Here are a few insights Brandon gathered:
🗳️ Cialysiah Washington, High School and College Outreach Coordinator, League of Women Voters:
“Many students encounter politics only through quick headlines or social media posts, making it easy to miss how decisions about funding, rights, and local services affect them directly. Helping young people slow down, ask questions, and look for reliable information is the first step to turning awareness into real participation.”
🏛️ Pam Foley, Vice Mayor of San José:
“When a student speaks, I listen. Young people who come to City Council meetings and understand the issues have more influence than they realize, especially on decisions about traffic safety, climate goals, and public spaces in their neighborhoods.”
💡 Roy Thompson, CUHSD alumnus and technical writer at Google:
“Being open to getting involved is the biggest thing. You do not have to start as an expert. You just have to show up and be willing to give back.”
🚀 Ashley Rose, Leigh High School alumna working in marketing and startups:
“The same confidence it takes to present in class is what helps in meetings and pitches.”
Thank you to Brandon for reporting from the Expo, and to every community leader and alumnus who took the time to show students that participation can begin simply by showing up, asking questions, and getting involved.
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