Four community colleges in Los Angeles have formed a partnership to increase workforce development and career readiness opportunities for students. This initiative aims to help students transition from education to employment more effectively.
Deysi Perez, who began her journey while still in high school, completed a college dental assisting program and earned an industry-recognized certificate. This achievement enabled her to secure a job in the dental field. She first enrolled through a dual enrollment program that allows high school students to take free classes on a community college campus. Perez is now continuing her studies with the goal of becoming a dental hygienist.
Andrea Rodriguez-Blanco, director of the career center at West L.A. College, highlighted the impact of these programs. “We have students like [Perez] who are a testament to our work and who have really taken advantage of our services and support systems,” Rodriguez-Blanco said.
Rodriguez-Blanco noted that although California has made significant investments in K–12 education, higher education, and workforce development, there remains a lack of coordination among these sectors, which can create challenges for students.
To address this issue, West L.A. College is collaborating with three other local community colleges to develop a regional strategy that expands career opportunities for students in Los Angeles County’s Second District.
