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Board highlights post‑secondary and Powell Middle College programs that expand transition and college access
Summary
Board recognized post‑secondary and Bridges staff who described vocational internships and student enterprises, and Powell Middle College staff reported growth in its second year, with students taking Foothill courses and early outcomes including direct four‑year acceptances and varied post‑graduation pathways.
Board meeting presenters on Nov. 4 highlighted the district’s post‑secondary transition and Bridges alternative programs and provided an update on Powell Middle College (PAMC), the district’s small high‑school program located on Foothill College’s campus.
Post‑secondary program: Matt Miller, who identified himself as the administrator for the post‑secondary and Bridges alternative programs, introduced instructors who described vocational training, full‑time paid internships and student micro‑enterprises. Toshiro Lang said his vocational training model provides full‑time internships (about 30 hours per week) aimed at competitive employment for students after age 22. Brian Northern described a student‑run candle business and community sales, Joey described a Thursday coffee cart and cooking class that teach customer service and food preparation, and Coleman Hall described a dog‑biscuit business and partnerships to place students at community job sites.
Why it matters: Staff and board members emphasized that these programs provide real‑world skills, independence and community connections for students with extensive support needs, and that transportation and transition teams are central to accessing community job sites.
Powell Middle College: Principal Emily Garrison and staff played a video and shared that PAMC is in its second year as a 9–12 school with its first graduating class this year. Staff reported students are taking a wide range of Foothill College courses (89 distinct courses this quarter), and early outcomes reported included roughly 20% of students going directly to four‑year universities and 30% continuing at Foothill with transfer plans.
Board response and next steps: Trustees praised the programs and invited board visits. Public commenters who are parents and program advocates urged continued support and suggested the district explore more campus‑to‑college supports for students with IEP/504 plans when they transition to college-level services.
