Students to Benefit from College and Career Pathway Expansion Plans

LOS ANGELES, CA — Students across the Los Angeles Unified School District will be able to benefit from plans to expand college and career pathways, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced Thursday.

Carvalho was joined by Los Angeles Community College District Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez to announce a joint agreement in their mission to encourage more students to pursue a postsecondary education or career pathways. A key feature of this agreement will be the expansion of dual enrollment programs, officials said.

"We are reaffirming our commitment to empower every student with the tools they need to succeed in college, career and life," Carvalho said in a statement. "This event serves as a pivotal moment in our journey toward equity and excellence, where we come together to forge partnerships, identify challenges and chart a course for a brighter future for all our students."

The announcement was made during Thursday's "Dream it, Achieve it: College and Career Leadership" convening. Educators discussed their efforts to ensure 100% of schools serving grades 9-12 offer one or more of the following college and career programs, including college credit courses, CTE pathways, industry certifications, internship/apprenticeships and the opportunity to earn an associate degree.

LACCD Chancellor Rodriguez said their plan to expand dual enrollment programs is more than "just leveling the playing field" -- it is about eliminating barriers for LAUSD high school students.

"These bolstered dual enrollment choices truly empower all communities in Los Angeles Unified, and increase higher education as a real destination, regardless of zip code, income or circumstance," Rodriguez said.

LAUSD Board President Jackie Goldberg hailed the expansion plans, adding the district's goal is for "every single student to find a career pathway that is meaningful to them."

Other provisions of the agreement focus on:

• Engaging in data sharing while addressing equity gaps;
• Collaborating in college awareness campaigns to help LAUSD students complete college and financial aid applications; and
• Aligning LAUSD and LACCD mutual interests to support and engage students at the local level, encouraging more students to attend postsecondary education, and to pursue industry and career opportunities.

City News Service