LA-25 Southern California ROC: Accelerating Futures: Expanding Health Science & Information and Communications Technology Pathways

Pathways Improvement Scope

The Accelerating Futures project tackles a critical gap in workforce readiness among SoCal ROC JPA high school graduates by creating career pathways that align educational programs with labor market demands, emphasizing CTE as a bridge to employment in high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand sectors. Additionally, it seeks to increase the number of students completing CTE pathways, thereby improving workforce readiness and addressing equity gaps in career preparation, especially for underrepresented communities and unduplicated students. By strengthening partnerships with community colleges and industries, the project seeks to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers who are prepared for the emerging economy. The Accelerating Futures project presents a significant opportunity for SoCal ROC to collaborate and align its programs with two community college partners, Los Angeles Harbor College and El Camino College, through the creation of seamless pathways in the Health Science and ICT fields. The project’s focus on developing a comprehensive ICT pathway with hands-on programming, cybersecurity, and network administration skills will align with programs at both Los Angeles Harbor College and El Camino College, ensuring that students are better prepared for post-secondary ICT coursework.

Goals & Priorities

Goals and Priorities for the Health Science Pathway includes:
1) Enhance and Expand Health Science Pathways: Improve the Sterile Processing Distribution, Medical Assisting, Nursing Assistant, EMT, Physical Therapy Aide, Dental Assisting, and Home Health Aide programs at SoCal ROC by providing students with emerging technologies, revised and articulated curriculum, and new equipment used in these fields. Expand and develop new health care pathways, including Licensed Vocational Nursing, Pharmacy Technician, and Phlebotomy.
2) Expand Clinical Experience and Hands-On Training: Create opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare facilities, such as externships/internships, job-shadowing, and clinical simulations, allowing them to apply their knowledge in practical settings.
3) Improve Career Readiness and Certification Outcomes: Provide targeted support and resources for students to achieve industry-recognized certifications, such as CSPDT, CMA, CNA, EMT, and RDA, thereby increasing their employability and readiness for post-secondary education or the workforce.
ICT PATHWAYS

Goals and Objectives for the ICT Curriculum and Instruction:
1) Develop and implement an ICT pathway that integrates current industry standards and best practices, ensuring students gain relevant, hands-on experience with emerging technologies and tools and develop practical skills in programming, cybersecurity, and network administration.
2) Expand Career Exploration and Pathway Opportunities: Increase access, readiness, and likelihood of students furthering their pursuit of post-secondary education related to ICT at local community colleges through opportunities for students to explore various careers, including work-based learning, apprenticeships and industry partnerships that provide real-world exposure and insights into different professional roles within the field.
3) Strengthen Industry Connections and Partnerships: Establish and maintain strong partnerships with local community colleges, businesses, technology firms, and industry professionals to facilitate mentorship programs, guest lectures, and collaborative projects that bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry needs.
4) Improve Career Readiness and Certification Outcomes: Provide targeted support and resources for students to achieve industry-recognized certifications, such as CompTIAA+, CCNA, and Cyber Ops Associate, thereby increasing their employability and readiness for post-secondary education or the workforce.