Our Work

Civic Impact

Advancing a people-centered agenda that ensures the region remains an extraordinary place to live, work, and build a career.

Civic Impact Svlg

Overview

SVLG’s Civic Impact Center of Expertise (COE) serves as SVLG’s engine for policy and advocacy on education, workforce development, healthcare systems, and community partnership strategies.

Through applied research, employer-driven insights, and cross-sector collaboration, the COE translates workforce and community priorities into actionable policy – supporting strong STEM pathways, resilient healthcare infrastructure, and inclusive talent development aligned with the needs of the innovation economy.

Policy, Initiatives & Partnerships

Key 2026 initiatives include:

Strengthening STEM education and career pathways. The K-16 Bay Area Collaborative focuses on student retention and seamless transitions between educational institutions; inclusive front doors and effective onramps to college, including early college preparation for youth; institutional change efforts to reduce barriers to equitable degree completion and career entry; inclusive student supports coordinated across the network of partners including unified school districts, community colleges, universities, and employers; and deeper connections with industry, including the expansion of work-based learning for students.

SVLG serves as the employer representative to the Collaborative.

Leading the transition to an AI-augmented economy by building a resilient, high-skilled talent pipeline. Members collaborate on proactive upskilling strategies, employer-led training models, and smart legislative incentives that prepare California’s workforce to lead — not follow — the next era of technological disruption.

Supporting regional healthcare systems, promoting health innovation and strengthening public health infrastructure. The Healthcare Task Force engages SVLG members in advancing policies and partnerships that improve health outcomes and strengthen regional health systems. Through focused collaboration, the group elevates practical solutions to expand access, reduce disparities, and support innovation in care delivery. The Task Force also highlights how employers, providers, and community partners can work together to address systemic barriers and ensure more people have the opportunity to achieve better health outcomes.

Strengthening organizational and social impact. SVLG’s ERG Consortium brings together employee resource group leaders from across the innovation economy to share best practices, strengthen leadership, and advance workplace strategies that support a high-performing, inclusive workforce. Through peer exchange, thought leadership, and cross-company collaboration, the Consortium helps organizations translate employee engagement into stronger talent pipelines, improved retention, and more resilient workplace cultures.

Stanford’s SHIP program plays a critical role in developing the next generation workforce by providing high school students with hands-on experience, mentorship, and early exposure to careers across healthcare, technology, and public service. The program helps bridge the gap between education and employment, building a stronger, more prepared talent pipeline.

Advocacy Priorities

Key 2026 priorities include:

SVLG’s education policy work is focused on strengthening the talent pipeline and expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities that prepare students for the jobs of the future. We support policies that align education systems with evolving industry needs – particularly in STEM and emerging technologies – while promoting equitable access to skills development across communities.

SVLG has been a long-time supporter of Assemblymember Marc Berman’s Computer Science for All efforts, reflecting a commitment to ensuring every student has access to foundational digital and computational skills.

SVLG’s healthcare policy work is focused on advancing solutions that improve health outcomes, expand access, and strengthen the resilience of California’s healthcare system. SVLG works to elevate scalable approaches that improve quality and access, modernize health infrastructure, reduce disparities, and ensure the healthcare system can meet the needs of a growing and diverse population – recognizing that strong health outcomes are foundational to a competitive and thriving economy.