The UNITE-LA Postsecondary Systems team recently completed a Community of Practice (CoP) focused on student-centered transfer pathways with Cal Poly Pomona (CPP) and their feeder community colleges. Cal Poly Pomona, a key partner in the L.A. Region K-16 Collaborative and the L.A. Compact, has been a part of UNITE-LA’s broader transfer pathways work since 2017. This CoP was dedicated to refining transfer pathways and addressing regional equity gaps, with a strong focus on supporting underrepresented student populations.

The UNITE-LA Postsecondary Systems team recently produced two, informational videos on dual enrollment programs led by L.A. Region K-16 Collaborative partners. These videos highlight the transformative impact of dual enrollment programs across the Los Angeles area, demonstrating how these initiatives help students develop their passions, plan for their futures and transition smoothly into higher education.

These videos are a vital tool in raising awareness about the benefits of dual enrollment by showcasing successful partnerships and feature El Camino College and Centinela Valley Union High School District. We encourage you to join us in amplifying the impact of dual enrollment and support student success across our communities by sharing them!

In August, UNITE-LA’s Research & Evaluation team delivered a presentation on our Los Angeles Regional Consortium (LARC) Student Career Interest Survey findings to approximately 100 attendees of LARC’s Quarterly Collaborative Meeting. The survey, conducted in the spring, assessed career interests, goals and challenges of 651 students across L.A.’s 19 community colleges. This research effort represented the culmination of more than two years of collaborative planning with LARC. Results will be used by UNITE-LA and LARC to align curriculum and workforce training programs more effectively with students’ interests and needs.

UNITE-LA is privileged to be inspired, guided and supported by our thoughtful and dedicated board of directors, which continues to grow and flourish. Together, we are focused on equitable economic mobility through education and workforce development and are energized by what we’re all collectively achieving and growing.

In July, 30 participants graduated from Part 1 of My Pathway to Health. The last day included 26 participants earning their Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, which opens many doors for their education and career pathways.

Our Step into Tech Summer Cohort also graduated from Part 1 of their program on July 18 with 22 graduates who completed at least one introductory training (six hours), but most up to three introductory trainings (18 hours), in cybersecurity, data science and networking.

On Saturday, June 29, L.A. Cash for College hosted its scholarship reception, Dollars for Scholars. The program celebrated awarding $30,000 in scholarships this year, and we were joined by eight of our scholars and their families.

Working in partnership with Tavis Smiley’s 2024 Climate Justice Movement, UNITE-LA’s Senior Vice President of Programs and Talent Development, Bridget Netter, recently joined KBLA for First Things First with Dominique DiPrima to showcase the work that UNITE-LA is leading through the LA Regional Cleantech Career Academy.

Our National Strategic Partnerships (NSP) team had a busy July, and you can catch up on national and local chamber workforce trends in their monthly newsletter!

ACCE recently launched their Improving Higher Education Ecosystems Level I workshop.