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Pacific Grove Adult Education lays out college-and-career navigation as pathway to jobs and college
Summary
District staff presented the new college-and-career navigators in Pacific Grove Adult Education and described partnerships and services aimed at helping adult learners access training, college enrollment and paid work experiences. Trustees praised efforts to remove barriers and presented a district recognition.
Pacific Grove Unified School District trustees heard a presentation on Oct. 2 introducing the district's college-and-career pathways for adult learners, including workforce preparation, navigation to college, and partnerships to support credential attainment.
Principal Martinez introduced the program and described its aims. Jonathan Damon, one of two college-and-career navigators, said the navigators' role is "to connect adult learners to education and career opportunities" and described services that include individualized advisement, enrollment help for Monterey Peninsula College and digital‑literacy training using Northstar and Google Suite. Damon said the program emphasizes "reducing barriers, supporting smooth transitions into higher education" and measuring outcomes such as employment and wage gains.
Petra Solomon, who works with the district's independence pathway serving adults with disabilities, described hands‑on supports and employer partnerships that place students in volunteer and work experiences at partners such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Meals on Wheels. She said hospitality students have earned ServeSafe credentials and piloted a student coffee cart to develop entrepreneurship and workplace skills.
District staff highlighted partnerships with the Department of Rehabilitation and the Monterey County Workforce Development Board that provide formal assessments and, in some cases, tuition support for job training and college. Board members praised the navigators' work. President Hazen and others presented a "Culture of We" certificate to Damon and said the program aligns with the district's values of belonging, safety and prosperity.
Trustees asked staff to continue reporting on program outcomes and enrollment transitions to college and employment, and to provide details about funding sources and partner roles as the program develops.
