Los Angeles Unified and Los Angeles Community College District Expand College and Career Partnership Pathways

Los Angeles, CA (March 21, 2024) – Today, Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho and Los Angeles Community College District Chancellor Dr. Francisco C. Rodriguez proudly announced a joint agreement to expand college and career pathways for all students in grades UTK-12 and beyond.

“We are reaffirming our commitment to empower every student with the tools they need to succeed in college, career and life,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “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."

Senior leaders gathered from across the educational landscape in a “Dream it, Achieve it: College and Career Leadership” convening to collectively work toward the goal of ensuring that 100 percent of our schools serving grades 9-12 and beyond offer one or more of the following college and career opportunities: College Credit Courses, CTE Pathways, Industry Certifications, Internship/Apprenticeships and the opportunity to earn an AA Degree.

“This expansion of our dual enrollment program with Los Angeles Unified to include other collaborative supports is more than just leveling the playing field - it's about eliminating the barriers that confine possibility and restrict opportunity for Los Angeles high school students,” Los Angeles Community College District Chancellor Dr. Francisco C. Rodriguez said. “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.”

“Our goal is for every single Los Angeles Unified student to find a career pathway that is meaningful to them,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “This is a big step forward in recognizing that there are many different educational options available that can lead to fulfilling careers and lives.”

“LACCD’s dual enrollment partnership with Los Angeles Unified is critical to breaking down barriers impeding student success,” LACCD Board President Nichelle Henderson said. “Dual enrollment provides all students with an opportunity to participate in higher education and a strong sense of community early in their educational journey.”

“I am optimistic about Los Angeles Unified’s partnership with the Los Angeles Community College District in helping students search for greater opportunities,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “Together, we will find newer, better ways for our students to be ready for their future careers, whether it is through a traditional college pathway or career technical education.”

“Our partnership with Los Angeles Community College District is an exciting opportunity for our students to gain a breadth of experiences while still in high school and be exposed to multiple career pathways,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said.

“A successful career can have several paths. That’s why our District is investing in programs and partnerships that ensure that our schools offer a wide array of pathways for our students to learn and succeed,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said.

“I’m proud that LA Unified and our partners recognize that there are many paths and destinations for a successful life,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “We are preparing students for college--including by providing a head start in credit-bearing courses--and we are providing opportunities for students to see themselves in the careers of the future through CTE pathways, apprenticeships, and industry training.”

"By expanding dual enrollment, promoting college and financial aid awareness, and sharing data strategically, we are deepening our collaboration with LACCD in ways that will help our students graduate ready for success in college and careers,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said.” Our community colleges are essential partners in the work to support students as lifelong learners and address historic equity gaps in college attendance and completion.”

“I am excited that this expanded partnership provides access to a wide range of college and career pathways to all of our scholars,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “By providing early awareness and district-wide access, we’re supporting students, especially those from historically underserved communities, to thrive in the college and career of their dreams.”

In the joint agreement, Los Angeles Unified and LACCD have affirmed their shared mission to advance a college-going culture throughout Los Angeles, with a focus on expanding access to post-secondary education and socio-economic advancement.

Key provisions of the agreement include:

• Reaffirming their partnership and commitment to assuring effective pathways to post-secondary education.
• Continuing to expand dual enrollment opportunities to schools serving disproportionately impacted communities that will include college and career technical pathways.
• Engaging in data sharing, as permitted by law, as well as addressing existing equity gaps through strategic and pointed actions.
• Collaborating in college awareness campaigns that support all Los Angeles Unified students with completing college and financial aid applications so that no student is left without access to post-secondary opportunities.
• Aligning the entities’ mutual interests to support and engage students at the local level to strengthen the pipeline from Los Angeles Unified to post-secondary, industry and fulfilling career opportunities.

Through their mutual commitment, the Los Angeles Unified and the Los Angeles Community District will expand pathways for the equitable success of students, setting a national example for effective urban education.