RCOE-CTE UPDATE

Recent Jurupa District graduate Victor Mora discovered his passion for construction during his junior and senior years at Patriot High School, where he spent two years in Mr. Martinez’s Construction Technology class. There, he gained the foundational skills that would set him on his career path—learning to read a measuring tape, frame a wall, make angle cuts, and safely use power tools. More importantly, he was introduced to the Carpenters Local 951 Union, a connection that would soon shape his future.

After high school, Victor pursued the opportunity to join the Union, which he describes as both rewarding and practical. “Working for the Union is a good-paying career,” he explains. “It gives you the opportunity to do hands-on work where you can learn and grow. Working in the Union also gives you good benefits.”

Victor takes pride in supporting his family and in the tangible results of his work. “The biggest reward of my job is being able to help my family financially and also seeing the buildings I worked on finished and ready to use by the people,” he reflects.

Victor’s story is a reminder of how career education can open doors for students, leading them toward meaningful, stable, and rewarding futures!

We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of former RCOE Video Productions student Sterling Hampton IV. Since graduating, Sterling has built an impressive career in the film and media industry. His production company, COTA, recently produced a music video for will.i.am, which Sterling also co-directed. The video has already gained over 12 million views on YouTube and continues to rise in popularity.

In addition to this milestone, Sterling has directed commercials for BMW and had two of his films accepted into the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, a remarkable achievement that highlights his creativity and vision as a filmmaker.

It’s inspiring to see how far Sterling has come, and we are proud to call him one of our own. We look forward to witnessing his continued success and the incredible projects still to come!

Heritage High School’s CTE Film Production students were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go behind the scenes at a live taping of NBC’s hit show America’s Got Talent.

Before the cameras rolled, students were taken on an exclusive tour of the set, where they explored the stage and learned about the intricate setup required to bring a nationally televised production to life. Throughout the day, they had the chance to meet and interact with a variety of professionals who each play a critical role in making the show a success. From producers and directors to makeup artists, set designers, and members of the technical crew, students were able to ask questions and gain valuable insights into the creative process and teamwork involved in producing a live broadcast.

The visit gave students an up-close look at the coordination, planning, and attention to detail that goes into producing a show that airs twice a week. They learned how each department—from lighting and sound to staging and editing—must work seamlessly together to ensure the show runs smoothly and captivates millions of viewers.

For many students, this was more than just a field trip; it was an inspiring glimpse into potential career paths within the entertainment and film production industry. By observing the professionals in action, students were able to connect their classroom learning to real-world applications, making the experience both educational and unforgettable.

We are proud to see our Heritage CTE Film Production students exploring the industry and building their skills through hands-on opportunities like this. Their behind-the-scenes experience at America’s Got Talent will no doubt serve as a source of inspiration as they continue to grow and pursue their creative passions.

As the new academic year quickly approaches for the School of Career Education (SCE), we take a moment to reflect on the impact of our programs and the successes of our students. Across programs such as Patient Care Technician, Pharmacy Technician, I.T. Help Desk, Registered Dental Assistant, and Medical Assistant, students have already reported 46 job placements and 59 licensures. With additional achievements being reported daily, we are honored to continue serving Career Technical Education students as they pursue their careers into adulthood.

Below are three examples that highlight the School of Career Education’s ongoing commitment to student success.

This July, 25 high school graduates from Riverside and San Bernardino County high schools started their career paths through the Summer Apprenticeship Bridge Program!

This was a partnership between IEConnect, LAUNCH, and Network Kinection, facilitated by the Riverside County Office of Education’s (RCOE) Career Technical Education (CTE) Unit. Funded by the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship (COYA) grant awarded to LAUNCH from the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS), students not only received training but were also paid for their time.

Over two weeks, students completed a 30-hour bootcamp at RCOE’s School of Career Education’s main campus, attending Monday–Thursday workshops. The program focused on five core skills: Student Onboarding, Essential Job Readiness Skills, Employability Skills, Occupational Skills, and Handoff for Apprenticeship Placement. Highlights included: mock interviews with Network Kinection, where students practiced real-world interview strategies; Success Coaches from LAUNCH guiding students on next steps toward apprenticeship placement; a networking demo with a Starbucks manager, emphasizing the importance of professional connections; and building of LinkedIn profiles and resumes to prepare for industry engagement.

To celebrate their progress, students received certificates of completion and shared their achievements with peers and mentors. The program ends with an exciting milestone: on October 7th, students will participate in a Signing Day at the California Apprenticeship Summit, where they will officially commit to their respective industries. The Summer Apprenticeship Bridge Program did more than prepare students for employment—it provided a launchpad. By combining training, mentorship, and professional experiences, students now have the confidence and tools to confidently step into apprenticeship opportunities and their postsecondary futures. Students leaving the Summer Apprenticeship Bridge program at RCOE’s School of Career Education not only left with skills but also with a Competitive Edge for their futures!

Forest DeRenzo, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Career Technical Education
Division of Student Programs and Services

Riverside County Office of Education