Community Collaborative

Career Sign Photo In February 2009, the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) and its partner colleges (L.A. Mission College, L.A. Valley College, and L.A. Pierce College) formed a collaboration to develop and enhance its Career & Technical Education capacity within the San Fernando Valley region of the City of Los Angeles. This project focused on one or more areas within the 15 Recognized Industry Sectors and the career pathways that fall under each sector. Each college has been committed to pooling its resources and unifying local area stakeholders in order to better prepare CTE students for jobs and careers.

The Career and Technical Education Community Collaborative Project (CTE CCP/SB1070)-(The Governor's initiative on improving and strengthening CTE, at both the community college and secondary level, was successfully carried through this bill) funded through the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office focuses on four main goals:

Outreach to middle schools providing career information for middle school students and the opportunity to participate and learn about the college programs and the college experience.
Expand and enhance career pathways from middle school to high school and to college.
Provide professional development activities for the collaborative partners.
Develop an externship program component.

LAMC Program Highlights

Externship Program

A total of 48 externships have been completed with 31 Middle School, High School, and Community College staff, faculty, and counselors participating. The externships have brought insight and understanding from the world of business into the classroom, focusing on the Arts, Media & Entertainment, Energy & Utilities, Hospitality, Tourism, & Recreation, Public Services, and Finance & Business (new for Fall 2013) industries.
The teachers/faculty who participated in the externship program expressed that as a result of their respective experiences, they would be more successful at helping students understand the connection between academic learning and workplace skills necessary for success in the world of work.
These externships were coordinated with the support of regional businesses. The goal of these externships was to expose educators to the skills and current practices of employers so that they can align them with their classroom projects. These externships also bring insight and understanding from the world of business into the classroom and enhance the delivery of education and allow the use of new products/equipment as learning tools.

Program Overview

Middle/High School Outreach and Career Pathways/Exploration

Crossfade Video and Animation Festival (co-sponsored with L.A. Pierce College)
- The 7th Annual Crossfade Video and Animation Festival
  - The festival, held on December 11, 2010, was attended by over 100 hundred people. Over 30 students entered the festival and approximately 10 companies in the Arts, Media & Entertainment Industry Sector supplied equipment high-end filming and lighting equipment to the event to give the students hands-on experience during exhibitor presentations. Business and industry partner representatives were present to discuss careers in the film industry. The discussion touched on what possible courses/classes to take in middle school and high school that articulate to college.
- The 8th Annual Crossfade Video and Animation Festival
  - The festival, which showcased projects done by high school (2 entries) and college students (30 entries), was held on June 9, 2012. Several companies, including Red Digital Cinema, Kino Flo, Working Wizards Special Effects LLC, J.L. Fisher, and Mole Richardson were present to discuss careers in the film industry as well as display their high-end equipment. There were more than 200 people that attended the event, which included 7 faculty/staff from LAMC. The discussion touched on what possible courses/classes to take in middle school and high school that articulate to college. Some of the companies also brought high-end filming and lighting equipment to the event to give the students hands-on experience. The Community Collaborative Project supports such activities to provide outreach, career information, and enhance career pathways in the Arts, Media & Entertainment Industry Sector.
  - http://www.lamission.edu/crossfade/
Site Visit/Tours
- Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Valley Generating Station (VGS)
  - On Tuesday, March 22, 2011, three teachers from local high schools and one Regional Occupational Program (ROP) representative along with LAMC Community Collaborative staff attended a site visit/tour of the LADWP VGS. Station representatives customized their presentation to focus on LADWP VGS career pathways especially as it related to high school students. The site visit/tour included an information exchange forum that featured station employees speaking about their personal journey through school and into the career pathway that they have chosen. This was also a good networking opportunity for the school representatives that attended for their respective institutions. These site visits/tours offer an opportunity for business and industry representatives to present on equipment and best practice methods in the Energy & Utilities Industry Sector. Administrators were able to consider the multi-dimensional aspects of the energy and utilities operations and embed the information in current and future CTE courses. Counselors and teachers/faculty were able to understand the range of needs to run a business and learned more about business operations of this field. They were exposed to the nature of the business and transferred such information to others in charge of curriculum development. All involved broadened their understanding of energy & utility skill trends.
- Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Truesdale Power Line Training Center (TPLTC)
  - On Wednesday, June 8, 2011, 30 chemistry students from the “green” cohort class from San Fernando High School took a site visit/tour of the LADWP TPLTC in Sun Valley, CA where they observed the mechanical and operational processes for both overhead and underground applications. The students observed through various demonstration and active training programs the skills needed to safely perform the duties of an overhead or underground technician. Site representatives spoke about the educational background necessary to qualify for various departmental jobs. This site visits/tour also offered an opportunity for the department to present on equipment and best practice methods in the Energy & Utilities Industry Sector. The two teachers that accompanied the students were also able to understand and learn more about business operations of this field, which they could bring back to the classroom.
- Sunshine Canyon Landfill
  - On October 3, 2012, twenty eight (28), 9th grade students from San Fernando High School (SFHS), visited Sunshine Canyon Landfill in Sylmar, California. This site visit/tour was an opportunity for career exploration. The students observed landfill operations and heard the skills needed to safely perform the duties of various workers (office and field). The site representative spoke about the educational background necessary to qualify for various. This site visits/tour also offered an opportunity to observe equipment and best practice methods in the Energy & Utilities Industry Sector. The two teachers and community college staff that accompanied the students were also able to understand and learn more about business operations of this field, which they could bring back to the classroom.
“it’s up 2 u” career awareness curriculum booklets
- Over 1,700 middle school students from Maclay Middle School and Olive Vista Middle School were exposed to various career pathways to broaden their awareness of the types of skills needed to enter various fields. A Community Collaborative representative met with middle school administrators, faculty, and counselors and gave 13 presentations regarding the career awareness curriculum booklets. This was also an opportunity to coordinate with local middle and high school CTE Coordinators to better link specific career pathways.
- Canvassed area middle schools to assess interest in career awareness programming. Maclay Middle school expressed interest. Delivered 300 it’s up 2 u career awareness curriculum booklets, which included information on industry sectors and career pathways available in high schools and colleges, to Maclay Middle school. 7th and 8th graders used in it in their 30 minute Intervention and Enrichment periods during the Fall 2011.
At LAMC four new classes in the hospitality, tourism and recreation industry sector were developed: hospitality managerial accounting, hospitality marketing, hospitality customer service, and hospitality wine pairing. A total of 50 students from Sylmar High School were taught in two dual enrollment Culinary Arts classes from LAMC. The Culinary Arts department also taught classes at L.A. County Probation camp in Spring 2010.

Professional Development

Trends in Green & Sustainability Practices
- LAMC sponsored the event, which was held on April 30, 2010 for collaborative partners, LAMC faculty and staff, and local high school teachers and counselors, totaling about 40 attendees. This event was based off of the NexTrendinLA, a major professional development activity previously held on July 23, 2009. Presenters from the field of ‘Green’ included the Centers of Excellence, who discussed green jobs and resources, Eco Safe USA Systems, a green company that uses ozonization technology to disinfect food and equipment in the food preparation industry and also focuses on water reclamation, Build LACCD, the Los Angeles Community College District’s sustainability building program, and Pickett Design Associates, a green interior design firm. A question and answer session with the panel of industry representatives followed the presentations. Concluding the panel discussion, participants and industry representatives participated in a networking lunch. The goal of the Trends in Green and Sustainability Practices workshop was for attendees to take the information they gathered at the event and disseminate it to their students, and the hope is for more professional development events to be held in the future. Sustainability Works offered seven courses expanding 41 students’ knowledge about sustainability strategies increasing their potential to be future environment-conscious workers. These students served as ambassadors, sharing their experiences with other students in the larger college community expanding the advocacy about the importance of sustainable business practices.
Career Pathways Symposium
- The Community Collaborative Program and CTE Transitions held the Career Pathways Symposium held on May 14, 2010, which brought together 51 teachers and CTE advisors from middle school, high school, and college to develop career pathways into community colleges. LAMC faculty members and staff and several CTE advisors presented information about articulation and LAMC programs. Presentations included – Pathways from High School to College, by Jerry Kazdoy and Nancy Martin, CTE advisors; Pathways and Articulation by Madelline Hernandez, LAMC Articulation office; and presentations by several LAMC programs. Among the presentations were those the community collaborative grant focused on including Food Service Management, Culinary Arts, and Multimedia. Concluding the event, a tour of the campus and department offices was offered to all participants. A total of 51 teachers and faculty attended the Career Pathways Symposium, including two middle school teachers.
Counselor Day
- CTE Community Collaborative Program in conjunction with CTE Transitions program host Counselor Day, a professional development event for LAMC and local high school counselors, which focuses on Career Technical Education. Professional development events such as Counselor Day for LAMC and local high school counselors continue to emphasize the importance of Career Technical Education.
  - On Friday, March 16, 2012, thirty five Counselors from 17 local area high schools attended Counselor Day on the LAMC campus. Activities included panel discussions on Counseling Issues, Student Services and CTE programs offered at the college. The counselors participated in information exchange forums, which included discussions of current issues in counseling, introduction of special programs and services, and career pathways presentations. Administration of Justice faculty presentation provided the counselors a broader understanding of the business aspects of the public services field. The counselors were exposed to the nature of the business and are able to transfer what they have learned to other in charge of curriculum department. Several participants also took a tour of the campus including the new Culinary Arts Institute. Professional development events such as Counselor Day for LAMC and local high school counselors continue to emphasize the importance of CTE.
  - On Friday, March 15, 2013, forty (40) counselors from 10 local area high schools were welcomed by school administrators, heard presentations from college counselors, student services and Career Technical Education (CTE) faculty, and networked over lunch.
In-State Travel for Staff/Faculty
- California Association of Leaders for Career Preparation (CALCP)/ California Association of Regional Occupational Centers and Programs (CAROCP) Conference, California Narcotic Officers’ Association, and Joint Special Populations Advisory Committee (JSPAC). These conferences provided the opportunity for staff/faculty to learn from businesses, industry, and trades who are committed to enhancing the CTE field. The staff/faculty were particularly interested in exploring programs and careers that are non-traditional by gender as well as high wage and high demand.
- CTE staff attended the California Community College Association for Occupational Education (CCCAOE) Spring 2013 Conference, March 20-22, 2013. Staff attended keynote presentation by motivational speakers and leaders in education. Staff member also participated in the Los Angeles/Orange County Workforce Development Leaders (LOWDL) meeting and attended workshops on such varied topics as issues in matriculation of educationally disadvantaged students, Perkins reauthorization, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) internships. Several networking opportunities with other CTE professionals from throughout the state and local area provided best practices information.

Focus On Careers Day

The Community Collaborative in conjunction with the CTE Transitions program held the annual Focus on Careers Day on October 28, 2011. Over 400 students and 25 faculty and staff members from seven local area high schools attended the event. Activities included presentations by LAMC CTE departments, including Administration of Justice, a college fair staffed by 10 CTE departments and student services, and a tour of the campus. The students were exposed to public services jobs, specifically the Administration of Justice (AJ) field. This event allowed the students to explore opportunities in the AJ field and broadened their awareness of the types of skills needed to enter the field.
On October 26, 2012, the LAMC CCP, in conjunction with the CTE Transitions program held Focus on Careers Day. Over 100 students from 4 local area high schools attended and participated in the following activities: A welcome from the Associate Dean of Economic and Workforce Development; Presentations from all of the CTE departments at LAMC; A college fair where CTE departments and student services were featured; professional development for teachers regarding the field of Culinary Arts; and a campus tour.
Focus on Careers Day increased understanding amongst the teachers and/or faculty of various CTE related disciplines by learning more about the nature and business operations of various fields.

Career Guidance/Outreach Strategies to Encourage Student Participation

The LAMC CC program in conjunction with the CTE Transitions program provided information about CTE career pathways offered at LAMC to over 250 students at a career fair sponsored by two collaborative members, Options for Youth and Options for Learning, both charter continuation high schools. Furthermore, classroom presentations were made to approximately 50 students enrolled at San Fernando High School. Subjects covered included the value of a college education, training for high skill, high wage, high demand occupations available at LAMC, and the process involved in matriculating to LAMC.

Supporting Student Retention and Persistence

Administration of Justice Guest Speaker Series
- The guest speaker series, designed to support student retention and persistence, for Administration of Justice (AJ) students kicked off on December 4, 2012 with Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Officer Ryan White discussing careers in Criminal Justice. LAPD Officer Daniel Randolph provided the introduction and LAMC AJ Instructor, Kelly Enos, brought in his class of 40 community college students to hear about career opportunities within the LAPD. Officer White talked about the requirements and qualifications needed to become accepted in the Police Academy. He also went over the physical fitness preparation program available for prospective candidates to help them get physically fit and get accustomed to the training style they will encounter in the Academy. Potential candidates would need to take a written test to participate in the preparation program. Officer White also went over annual salaries, benefits, and promotional opportunities within the LAPD.
  - L.A. Sheriff’s Department (LASD), Deputy Amore Smith. March 14, 2013. Deputy Smith went over the minimum requirements, process, job benefits, and jobs within the LASD. Twenty (20) community college students attended and heard about the role of the LASD and career opportunities within the department and various law enforcement agencies. This was the 2nd presentation in the guest speaker series to support student retention and persistence.
  - L.A. Probation Department, Probation Officer Nathan Martinez. April 9, 2013. Probation Officer Martinez spoke about the application process, career opportunities, and entrance requirements of the department. Thirteen (13) community college students attended and heard about the role of the Probation Department and about jobs within the department as a Deputy Probation Officer, Detention Services Officer, and other careers. The students also heard about volunteer opportunities within department. This was the 3rd presentation in the guest speaker series to support student retention and persistence.
  - California Highway Patrol, Officer Ming-Yang Hsu, May 6, 2013. CHP Officer Ming-Yang Hsu spoke about minimum requirements and career opportunities. Officer Hsu went over the age, health, education, conduct, and citizenship qualifications to apply. This was the 4th presentation in the guest speaker series to support student retention and persistence.
- http://www.lamission.edu/aj/
Paralegal Video Series
- The Paralegal Studies program has been partnering with the Multimedia Studies program to create a series of videos, called "Day in the Life of a Paralegal". The purpose of the series is to "headline" the program, faculty, students, alumni, and the role each play in training and educating paralegals for work in the courts, law firms, and public and private agencies.
- The first video headlines the program, the course curriculum, the director, philosophy, and history of the program. We are collecting "stories" from our Spring 2013 graduates on how they overcame the many obstacles to obtain their certificate and what they plan to do with their certificate. Our second video will headline our Spring 2013 graduates, and we are planning subsequent videos to highlight our many paralegal alumni who are working in the legal field. We will call that series of videos "35 years/35 stories" to cover our graduates over the last 35 years since our program started. We will continue working with the Multimedia program in the production of these videos.
- http://www.lamission.edu/law/

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Community Collaborative

LAMC Program Highlights