Community Stories That Matter

Episode 2 – Earn & Learn: Tomorrow’s Innovation Economy

Orange County’s economy is evolving, and local educators, workforce leaders, and community colleges are preparing students for the industries shaping the future. In this episode of The Power of Community, we explore how career technical education, apprenticeships, advanced manufacturing, healthcare training, and emerging drone technology programs are creating new pathways to opportunity across the region. Featuring insights from economist Dr. Wallace Walrod, High School Inc., Santa Ana College’s Manufacturing Technology Program, and Fullerton College’s Drone & Autonomous Systems Program, this episode highlights how hands-on education and industry partnerships are helping students gain real-world skills for high-demand careers. From CNC machining and healthcare certifications to FAA drone training and “earn and learn” workforce programs, discover how Orange County is building the workforce of tomorrow — one student at a time.

About the Series: The Power of Community is an OC World public affairs series produced in partnership with the Orange County Community Foundation highlighting local challenges, workforce innovation, and community-driven solutions.

Little Saigon in Orange County is one of the most remarkable immigrant economic success stories in America. But beyond the nail salons, pho restaurants, and bánh mì bakeries, for the people who call this neighborhood home, Little Saigon represents something much deeper – entrepreneurship, resilience, and progress.

Premiering Monday, May 25 at 5 PM on KLCS-PBS
with guest host Tam Nguyen.

OC World is honored to receive four nominations in the 68th Southern California Journalism Awards presented by the Los Angeles Press Club. Selected from more than 2,700 entries, the nominations recognize OC World’s continued commitment to public affairs, culture, education, and community storytelling across Southern California. Winners will be announced June 28 in Los Angeles as OC World continues to expand its impact through independent nonprofit journalism.

Our 2026 Nominations:

🎙️ Anchor / Host: Scott Hays

📚 Educational Reporting: “El Sol Academy: A Dual-Language Charter School”


🤝 Race and Society Reporting: “Keeping Tradition Alive”


🏈🎨 Sports: “Todd Marinovich on Football, Addiction, and Art as Therapy”

Each year, the title “Mr. Irrelevant” is given to the last player selected in the NFL draft—a tongue-in-cheek honor that has grown into one of football’s most beloved traditions. The designation is celebrated annually in Newport Beach through a weeklong celebration of perseverance and opportunity, highlighting players such as Kobee Minor—the final pick of the 2025 NFL Draft—whose journey reflects the determination required to reach the NFL.

For over three decades, Teri Sforza has been a relentless watchdog in Orange County journalism. Since 1993, her reporting has exposed financial fraud, patient abuse, and covered-up deaths within California’s addiction rehabilitation system, leading to the passage of new protective laws. Her career is proof that accountability journalism still matters and still makes an impact.

OC World welcomes Kelley Shannon as she embarks on her next collaboration — consulting on OC World’s growth in the public affairs, news, and feature programming space. Throughout her career, Kelley has supported dozens of Orange County nonprofit initiatives, helping organizations expand capacity, strengthen communication, and scale their impact. Known for her strategic and collaborative approach, Kelley brings deep experience in guiding mission-driven teams toward sustainable growth. In addition to her professional work, she maintains a long-standing personal commitment to volunteerism and community engagement.

“The Latino Century” lays it all on the line revealing the national cult of hypocrisy of how both political parties neglect Latino voters. Author Mike Madrid shares his personal story and offers a compelling vision of the role Latinos are playing in revitalizing democracy. (Pictured l-r: Manuel Gomez, Mike Madrid, Scott Hays.)

Watch live on KCLS.org, or your local KLCS-PBS television station. Click here to find which channel carries KLCS-PBS in your area. Can’t make the broadcast? No problem. Subscribe to our YouTube channel where we will be publishing our episodes shortly after each broadcast.