The goal of MindShare Marin is to excite and motivate learners in our schools by linking their education with the world of work. Given the current Covid climate, we have been using a virtual format which would allow carefully handpicked professionals in the surrounding community to spend about a half hour interacting with students with a goal of expanding their thinking and helping learners see a clear link and purpose between their learning experiences and their future. The plan is to transition to in person speakers as and when the schools will allow.

At this time, we are focusing on middle school children in Marin County. For more information on the program, please visit http://www.mindsharemarin.org

To-date, we have had two virtual events at Del Mar school in Tiburon. The first kickoff event featured Maz Jobrani, an alumni of Del Mar, a very famous Iranian American comedian who has appeared in numerous films, television shows, the second speaker event featured Emily Driscoll, a two- time Emmy award winning Science documentary film maker. Both were very well received!

Background: Early age-appropriate engagement and exposure to career possibilities can have a markedly positive impact on wider academic performance.
Studies show that such exposure enables young learners to see a future to which they can aspire, a future which feels achievable. For all learners, experts advocate for a focus on broadening horizons and raising aspirations in the area of career-related learning.
Giving young learners the chance to meet people from the world of work and hearing about their life journeys can help them understand the relevance of subjects they are studying – and in so doing improve motivation and achievement.
Goals: To inspire students at every stage of their growth to find their passion and pursue it – all through valuable interaction between students and carefully chosen professionals in the surrounding community – from filmmakers to entrepreneurs to public servants.

1. Excite and motivate learners by linking their education with the world of work

2. Broaden all learners’ horizons and raise their aspirations

3. Help learners see a clear link and purpose between their learning experiences and their future

4. Challenge stereotypes that learners may have about jobs and the people who do them

5. Enable learners to learn more about their own talents and abilities and grow their confidence

6. Tailor career-related learning to the different ages and needs of all learners

Virtual Format: Professionals in the community will volunteer to spend about a half hour interacting with students with a goal of expanding their thinking, pushing the boundaries of who he or she can be, and inspiring curiosity and creativity along the way.
Carefully handpicked community professionals will discuss an interesting anecdote from their career or education, their journey to their ultimate profession, or hardship from which they learned.