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LAUSD outlines expansion of dual enrollment and CTE pathways, aims to boost certifications and internships
Summary
LAUSD presenters described Dream It, Achieve It: dual enrollment (130 of 180 comprehensive sites), expansion of CTE pathways and internships, collaboration with LACCD under AB 288, and a goal to increase industry certifications and internship placements.
LAUSD officials told the Committee of the Whole they are expanding dual enrollment and career and technical education (CTE) pathways through the Dream It, Achieve It initiative, stressing partnerships with Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), targeted grants and new outreach to students and families.
“Dual enrollment allows students to take college courses during the day led by professors from the LA Community College District,” Dr. Frances Baez, chief academic officer, told the board. She said 130 of 180 comprehensive high schools currently offer at least one dual enrollment course and the district has secured College and Career Access Pathway (CCAP) and other grants to expand access.
Pia Salakmar, chief of transitional programs, said the initiative includes messaging toolkits, posters and student advisory groups to highlight options such as college‑level classes, industry certifications and internships. “This month we are featuring a student each day who’s either taking a college course, a career training program, or both,” she said.
Presenters described CTE scope—58 types of pathways across 15 industry sectors—and said 108 schools currently offer CTE pathways with a goal to reach 113 in the near term and to increase industry‑recognized certifications (the district gave a target of roughly 11,500 certificates this year). Internships for high school students are a focus: staff said ~1,000 students enrolled in internships in 2024–25 with a placement goal of 1,500.
Board members raised equity questions, asking for participation and completion rates by subgroup and for details on supports for students with disabilities and English learners. Baez said the district follows each student’s IEP in dual enrollment and provides comparable supports and parent orientation materials; she agreed to follow up on data requests such as the percentage of ninth–twelfth students participating and completion rates with a C or better.
Officials said professors for on‑campus dual enrollment are paid by LACCD and that CCAP and other grants help cover program costs; they also noted expanded MOUs to enable middle‑school pilot access under AB 288 and updated course guides for counselors.
Board members emphasized variation in site‑level implementation and asked about accountability and counselor supports. Staff said regional counselor coordinators and transcript analysis are used to spot‑check fidelity, and counseling teams provide targeted support for schools needing help to connect students to opportunities.
Presenters and student board member Jerry Yang urged outreach and clearer family communication: “Did you know that you can literally start college while you’re still in high school?” Yang said in a short presentation segment promoting the program website.
Staff will follow up with requested data and continue implementation work with LACCD, the personnel commission, DACE and community partners. No formal board action was taken at this meeting.
