Ben Chida
Former Chief Deputy Cabinet Secretary and Senior Advisor for “Cradle to Career” within the California Office of Governor.
Teaches:
Reengineering the Conveyor Belt Model
Ben Chida is the former Chief Deputy Cabinet Secretary and senior advisor for “Cradle to Career” within the California Office of Governor. He was the chief architect of California’s Master Plan for Career Education, and five-year compacts with the University of California and California State University. Ben also guided a statewide data system to follow students through the educational pipeline into careers to assess what works and doesn’t. Prior to joining the governor’s office, he served as attorney-advisor in the executive office of thenAttorney General Kamala D. Harris, as a judicial law clerk to federal judges in California and on the DC circuit, and as a third-grade teacher in New York City. His educational journey includes dropping out of high school, attending Orange Coast College, receiving a BA from University of California, Berkeley, and a JD from Harvard Law School.​
Al earned a doctorate in education from the University of California, Los Angeles, and is a proud community college student who transferred to Cornell University, where he earned his bachelor’s in government and history.
masterclass DESCRIPTION
For too long, education has functioned like a conveyor belt, sorting students into rigid paths that limit their potential. This outdated system dehumanizes students and educators alike, today we will reengineer those conveyor belts to actually fit the lived realities of our students and families. This masterclass challenges the status quo and offers a new vision—one that prioritizes exploration and flexibility. Instead of rigid tracks, we need a system that supports students as they grow, adapts to evolving careers, and empowers individuals at every stage of life. Change is urgent. By breaking down barriers and aligning education with real human development, we can rebuild a system that truly works for all. Now is the time to act.
MASTERCLASS TRAILER
Program
Education Transformation
Education Transformation is a future-focused program designed to equip educators and administrators with the frameworks, strategies, and tools to reimagine learning for the modern world. This masterclass suite explores how to move beyond traditional models by integrating continuous improvement practices, aligning learning environments with real-world relevance, and fostering cultures of innovation. Participants will examine the power of industry credentials, the impact of messaging to families and prospective students, and the importance of bold design in learning spaces. By spotlighting forward-thinking approaches like Big Picture Learning and Opportunity On-Ramps, this program empowers institutions to lead systemic change and prepare students for a rapidly evolving workforce.
