The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is cultivating its own homegrown crop of teachers, fueled by a new Educational Careers Pathway and fortified by college scholarships.
The first nine graduates of the recently created Educational Careers Pathway at John Muir High School Early College Magnet are now scholarship recipients, thanks to support from the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation and the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF).
The following students have been selected to receive scholarships: Kafshi Bennett, Jalen Birdsong, Javonnie Davis, Nathan Gonzalez, April Gonzalez Garcia, Maria Gonzalez, Richard Green, Samantha Orozco, and William Ross
“We are so proud of these students. It’s essential to bring our own students into the fold as future educators because they know our community best and will bring invaluable perspective and connectedness that can transform the future,” said Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, Interim Superintendent of PUSD.
The recent graduates took an introductory course in education throughout the 2022-23 school year and have each received a $1000 scholarship to further their education.
“We believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities,” said Patrick Conyers, Executive Director of the Pasadena Educational Foundation. “This collaborative approach will ensure that students receive comprehensive support and opportunities to excel in their chosen career paths.”
The Educational Careers Pathway is a collaborative effort between PUSD, PEF, California State Los Angeles, Pasadena City College, Tournament of Roses, and the CFP Foundation which leads a “Go Teach” project.
“We hope these graduates will eventually become educators because we love what we do and we hope to pass the passion on to future educators,” said Dr. Kristina Turley, PUSD’s Coordinator of College and Career Pathways. “We have several former PUSD students who are now educators in our district and it’s always exciting to welcome them back.”
For the 2023-24 school year, the Education Careers Pathway will be available at Pasadena and Marshall high schools through dual enrollment. Students from other PUSD high schools will be able to access the program through dual enrollment at Pasadena City College. Students interested in learning more about the pathway should speak with their counselors or contact the PUSD College and Careers department. https://www.pusd.us/college
