Jess Nguyen
Stockton,CA
Summary
Program Manager with experience in expanded learning, CTE, and youth advocacy, specializing in equity-driven initiatives that enhance enrichment, college and career readiness, and social-emotional development for system-impacted youth. Proven track record in securing grants to fund innovative, student-centered programs. Combines lived experience with professional knowledge to address the needs of underserved students, fostering impactful services and cross-sector partnerships.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager I, Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program
San Joaquin County Office of Education
Stockton, CA
03.2023 - Current
- Led cross-agency coordination with school districts, the Human Services Agency, legal representatives, and community-based organizations to support at-promise youth.
- Delivered training and technical assistance on foster youth legislation, McKinney-Vento rights, and educational supports.
- Designed and facilitated large-scale, student-centered events, including the Foster Youth Education Summit.
- Developed college and career field trips, student open houses, and enrichment activities to increase post-secondary awareness and engagement.
- Wrote and managed grants supporting social-emotional skill-building workshops, resource access, and college readiness initiatives.
- Collected and analyzed program data to assess impact and guide continuous improvement.
- Prepared agendas, coordinated professional learning, and facilitated advisory councils, and collaborative planning meetings.
- Interpreted and applied federal and state education policies related to foster youth, homeless education, and compliance requirements.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with stakeholders through public speaking, presentations, and committee participation.
- Advocated for system-involved youth using lived experience, and an equity-driven approach to service delivery.
- Supervised, coached, and supported staff to ensure effective program implementation and student outcomes.
Career Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator
Pacific Charter Institute
Sacramento, CA
11.2015 - 06.2022
- Developed CTE pathways aligned with capstone requirements and state standards
- Built articulation agreements with community colleges and externship partnerships with medical providers
- Provided 1:1 college and career support: FAFSA, resumes, interviews, and registration
- Maintained CALPADS data for audit readiness
- Trained teachers on ICEV platform, virtual exams, and SPED accommodations
- Designed alumni tracking system with employment support
Mental Health Skills Trainer
River Oak Center for Children
Sacramento, CA
03.2015 - 02.2016
- Delivered one-on-one and group-based mental health skills training to foster youth across multiple school districts in Sacramento County.
- Facilitated social-emotional learning sessions focused on behavior regulation, self-advocacy, and peer relationship development.
- Collaborated with teachers, school staff, and clinicians to align student support strategies with IEP goals, and individualized treatment plans.
- Maintained accurate case documentation, progress notes, and session reports in accordance with agency and HIPAA standards.
- Advocated for foster youth across education and mental health systems to ensure consistent and responsive school-based services.
Resident Services Coordinator
Mercy Housing
Stockton, CA
02.2014 - 03.2015
- Designed and led community-wide programs such as Cultural Night, Chalk-It-Up art events, and bi-monthly food banks to promote engagement across all resident age groups.
- Developed and implemented after-school enrichment programs focused on academic growth, social-emotional learning, creative expression, and physical wellness through youth sports and movement.
- Initiated and facilitated community cooking classes, yoga sessions, and a resident-led community garden to promote health, self-sufficiency, and connection.
- Supervised and supported college student tutors; coordinated academic, arts-based, and recreational activities aligned with student needs.
- Organized cultural exchange nights, community picnics, and family dinners to foster cross-cultural understanding, and build strong resident relationships.
- Partnered with Dignity Health and local agencies to provide free health screenings, donations, and wellness services.
- Secured small grants and led seasonal drives, including school supply and toy distributions.
- Collected and analyzed resident health and satisfaction survey data to improve services and guide future programming.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
Sacramento State University
Sacramento, CA12.2013
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Cosumnes River College
Sacramento, CA11.2010
Skills
- Designed and launched capstone-aligned CTE pathways with articulated college credit, externships, and workforce integration
- Expanded learning and after-school program development
- Grant writing and budget planning
- Event planning (summits, field trips, food distributions)
- Staff supervision, training, and meeting facilitation
- Program evaluation and data reporting
- Cross-agency collaboration and community partnerships
- Education policy and compliance monitoring
- Equity-based student and family support
- Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and Canva
- Calpads data entry and audit readiness
Accomplishments And Leadership
- Soroptimist, Live Your Dream Award 2013, 1st Place Winner
- Career Technical Education Counseling Externship, 2017
- Volunteer Work: Children's Receiving Home Alumni Program
- Public Speaking for Foster Youth (EOPS)
- Publication: Insights in Depth Vol. V for Foster Youth Advocacy
- Foster Youth Advocacy: Lobbying for AB 490 with EOPS Students
- Foster Youth Advocacy: Writing to Congress for AB 12
- Social Work Internship: Oak Ridge Elementary
- Foster Youth Advocacy: Student Buddy Program, 2021
- Publication: Alumni of the Enriched Scholars Program, Former Foster Youth Achievements
- Hosted Virtual College & Career Field Trips During COVID
- Facilitated Virtual Career Fairs for Youth
Timeline
Program Manager I, Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program
San Joaquin County Office of Education
03.2023 - Current
Career Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator
Pacific Charter Institute
11.2015 - 06.2022
Mental Health Skills Trainer
River Oak Center for Children
03.2015 - 02.2016
Resident Services Coordinator
Mercy Housing
02.2014 - 03.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
Sacramento State University
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Cosumnes River College
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