RCOE-CTE UPDATE
September 2026
Upcoming Events
RCOE- CTE Events
Mentor Training and New Teacher Training - Fall Session
Saturday, September 12, 2026
8:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location : Riverside County Office of Education
Citrus 1 & 2
Learning Lab #2 - Management by Design Creating Classrooms Where Learning Comes First
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Register Now: https://events.rcoe.us/LearningLab9-15-2026
Zoom Link: https://rcoe.zoom.us/j/99682404172
Advisory Facilitators/Co-Facilitators Meeting- 1
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Register Now: https://events.bizzabo.com/AdvisFacilitators92226
Zoom Link: https://rcoe.zoom.us/j/93321423183Articulation and Campus Credit Training/Information
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Register Now: https://events.bizzabo.com/968799
Zoom Link: https://rcoe.zoom.us/j/98065880581
(2 - 1 hr. sessions)
Learning Lab #3 - Beyond the Business Card — Building Partnerships That Power CTE
Monday, September 28, 2026
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Register Now: https://events.bizzabo.com/975364
Zoom Link: https://rcoe.zoom.us/j/94677191298
Formal Observation Review Workshop
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Zoom Link: https://rcoe.zoom.us/j/98688168152
Advisory Office Hours
Thursday, October 1, 2026
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Zoom Link: https://rcoe.zoom.us/j/95065406952
2026 Virtual Advisory - Group 1 (Virtual)
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Register Now: https://events.bizzabo.com/2026Advisory1
Zoom Link: https://rcoe.zoom.us/j/94908570694
2026 Virtual Advisory - Group 2 (Virtual)
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Register Now: https://events.bizzabo.com/2026Advisory2
Zoom Link: https://rcoe.zoom.us/j/98778091091
Open To The Public Events
Learning Lab #2 - Management by Design Creating Classrooms Where Learning Comes First
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Register Now: https://events.rcoe.us/LearningLab9-15-2026
Zoom Link: https://rcoe.zoom.us/j/99682404172
Learning Lab #3 - Beyond the Business Card — Building Partnerships That Power CTE
Monday, September 28, 2026
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Register Now: https://events.bizzabo.com/975364
Zoom Link: https://rcoe.zoom.us/j/94677191298
Advisory Office Hours
Thursday, October 1, 2026
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Zoom Link: https://rcoe.zoom.us/j/95065406952
2026 Virtual Advisory - Group 1 (Virtual)
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Register Now: https://events.bizzabo.com/2026Advisory1
Zoom Link: https://rcoe.zoom.us/j/94908570694
2026 Virtual Advisory - Group 2 (Virtual)
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Register Now: https://events.bizzabo.com/2026Advisory2
Zoom Link: https://rcoe.zoom.us/j/98778091091
From High School CTE to Certified Medical Assistants: 28 Students Take the Next Step
For 28 recent Jurupa Unified School District graduates, two years of high school Career Technical Education became the foundation for an accelerated pathway into the healthcare workforce.
On August 14, the students celebrated an impressive milestone: all 28 graduated as Certified Medical Assistants after completing a first-of-its-kind accelerated Medical Assisting program through JUSD Adult School.
The opportunity was designed specifically for students who had already completed two years of medical CTE coursework while in high school. Building on the knowledge and skills they developed in their CTE programs, the students graduated from high school in May 2026 and moved directly into an intensive eight-week Medical Assisting course taught by RCOE teacher Beverly Pope.
During the accelerated program, students strengthened their medical knowledge and technical skills while completing 100 hours of internship training, giving them valuable experience in real healthcare settings. By the end of the program, all 28 students had successfully met the requirements to graduate as Certified Medical Assistants.
For one student, the pathway led directly to employment. Her internship site was so impressed with her work ethic and performance that she was offered a job, an exciting example of how CTE can connect classroom learning to real-world opportunity.
RCOE and JUSD CTE teachers Rosie Madrigal, Erica Salem, and Carita Dickson attended the graduation ceremony to celebrate their former students and see the next chapter of their CTE journey come full circle.
This inaugural cohort demonstrates the power of creating intentional connections between high school CTE, adult education, work-based learning, industry certification, and employment. These students did more than complete a program, they built upon the skills they began developing in high school and accelerated their transition into the healthcare profession.
Congratulations to all 28 graduates as they take their next steps into college, career, and the healthcare workforce!
From EMT Graduate to Wildland Firefighter: Lucas Renevier Answers the Call
Former EMT student graduate from Moreno Valley's EMT Program at Vista Del Lago High School puts his training into action while protecting Southern California communities.
We are proud to share an exciting update about EMT graduate Lucas Renevier, who is now serving as a Wildland Firefighter with the Oceanside Fire Department, Unit 21.
Lucas joined the Oceanside Fire Department in May and has already been actively involved in fighting vegetation fires throughout Southern California. His transition from EMT graduate to working firefighter is an inspiring example of how Career Technical Education can prepare students to pursue meaningful careers that serve and protect their communities.
Lucas recently shared photographs and videos highlighting some of his experiences in the field. He is pictured in the front row, second from the left.
We are also pleased that Lucas hopes to return to campus later this year as a guest speaker. His firsthand experiences will provide current students with valuable insight into the demands, responsibilities, and rewards of a career in emergency services and firefighting.
We are incredibly proud of Lucas and look forward to welcoming him back to campus. Please keep Lucas and the courageous men and women serving alongside him in your thoughts as they work to protect lives, land, and property from the devastating effects of wildfires.
Congratulations, Lucas! Your dedication and service make the entire CTE community proud.
Photo caption: EMT graduate Lucas Renevier, pictured in the front row, second from the left, is now serving as a Wildland Firefighter with the Oceanside Fire Department.
Sparks of Success: Students Advance Toward AWS Welding Certification
Summer welding camp combines technical training, hands-on learning, and preparation for industry-recognized credentials.
Students turned up the heat during an outstanding summer welding camp held at Moreno Valley High School's Welding Program Lab, completing 20 additional American Welding Society (AWS) prequalification welds—an important step toward earning their AWS certifications.
Throughout the camp, students strengthened their welding techniques, practiced industry-standard safety procedures, and gained valuable hands-on experience in the welding shop. Their hard work and commitment resulted in welds that are now ready for professional inspection.
Certified Welding Inspector Che Chancy will conduct the inspections and certification tests, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and take the next step toward earning an industry-recognized credential.
In addition to completing their certification testing, students will help clean and organize the welding shop—reinforcing the responsibility, teamwork, and professionalism expected in the workplace.
This successful summer camp demonstrates the value of Career Technical Education by providing students with practical experience, industry preparation, and a direct pathway toward future education and careers in welding.
Congratulations to our welding students on their hard work and impressive progress—and thank you to everyone whose continued support made this valuable opportunity possible!
Lights, Camera, Ramona!
Riverside Unified School District's Ramona High School Digital Film Program Students Lead a Schoolwide Lip Dub!
Experience the energy, creativity, and school spirit of Ramona High School in this entertaining, celebrity-themed lip dub. Click the above link to watch the students bring music, movement, and campus pride together in one memorable production!
New Year, New Pathways: PUHSD Expands CTE Opportunities
New programs are opening doors to careers in healthcare, construction, and entrepreneurship.
The 2026–2027 school year is bringing exciting growth to Career Technical Education across the Perris Union High School District. With the launch of four new programs, even more students can explore high-demand industries, develop practical skills, and prepare for their futures through hands-on learning.
Future Healthcare Leaders Get Their Start at CMI
California Military Institute (CMI) has launched a new Health Science and Medical Technology pathway, giving cadets an opportunity to explore careers in healthcare and emergency services.
The supplies and instructional materials are in place, and cadets are already participating in hands-on lessons that connect classroom instruction with real-world medical practices.
Mrs. Rome, CMI’s newest CTE teacher, described the program’s promising start:
“The launch of the new Health Science & Medical Technology pathway at CMI is off to an inspiring start! Cadets have jumped into their coursework with tremendous focus, bringing military discipline and genuine curiosity to the healthcare field. Through a blend of foundational medical science, professional ethics, and hands-on skill-building, students are already establishing the habits, knowledge base, and empathy needed to excel in future medical and emergency service careers. The energy and commitment in the classroom show that the next generation of healthcare leaders is well underway at CMI.”
More CTE Opportunities Across PUHSD
The district also introduced three additional programs during the 2026–2027 school year:
- Heritage High School: Construction Pathway
- Perris Lake High School: Business Entrepreneurship
- Perris High School: Medical Assisting Clinical
Each program provides students with opportunities to connect their education to future careers while developing the technical knowledge, professional habits, and practical experience employers value.
Building Skills. Creating Opportunities. Preparing Futures.
The expansion of CTE across PUHSD reflects a continued commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and meaningful participation in the workforce. Whether students are interested in caring for patients, constructing the communities of tomorrow, or building their own businesses, these new programs are helping them take the first step.
A new school year has begun—and with it, new possibilities for PUHSD students.
A New School Year and New Careers Begin at SCE
The first day of school brought energy, excitement, and a strong sense of possibility to SCE Indio and SCE Alessandro as students began Medical Assisting, Patient Care Technician, and Pharmacy programs. Classrooms quickly came to life as students met their instructors, connected with classmates, and took their first steps toward mastering the knowledge and skills needed to serve patients and their communities.
For some students, the day marked the beginning of their first career. For others, it represented the courage to transition into a new profession and pursue a different future for themselves and their families. Regardless of their starting point, each student arrived with a shared commitment to growth, service, and opportunity.
The journey ahead will require time, persistence, and sacrifice. Yet the sacrifices these students make today will one day manifest in the lives of the patients, families, and communities they serve tomorrow.
Summer Apprenticeship Bridge Program
Four weeks of professional preparation. One powerful step toward registered apprenticeships.
The Summer Apprenticeship Bridge Year Two has officially wrapped up! This summer, graduating high school students from San Bernardino and Riverside counties transformed their potential into career momentum while preparing to enter the Inland Empire workforce.
Building Career-Ready Skills
Designed for graduates of the IE Connect Pre-Apprenticeship Program, the four-week Summer Bridge experience helped students strengthen essential professional skills, including:
- Workplace communication and etiquette
- Résumé development and professional branding
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Interview preparation and confidence-building
Putting Preparation into Practice
The program concluded with an exciting Speed Interviewing Event, where students met face-to-face with employers representing a variety of industries.
Participants practiced their elevator pitches, demonstrated their interviewing skills, and formed valuable connections with local employers seeking new talent.
The Goal: Connect prepared and qualified students with employers and help them transition directly into registered apprenticeships.
Partnerships Create Pathways
This valuable experience was made possible through the support and collaboration of:
- LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network, for expanding regional apprenticeship pathways
- Network Kinection, for connecting talented students with prospective employers
- Riverside County School of Career Education, for providing facilities for student training and career preparation
- Norco College, for hosting the Speed Interviewing Event
Together, these partners are helping bridge the gap between education and employment while developing the Inland Empire’s future workforce.
Congratulations, Summer Bridge Graduates!
You completed the training, strengthened your professional skills, and confidently connected with industry leaders. Your next opportunity is waiting.
Prepared for the workplace. Connected to industry. Ready for the future.
Forest DeRenzo, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Career Technical Education
Division of Student Programs and Services
Riverside County Office of Education
O 951.826.6797 | F 951.826.64403939 Thirteenth Street | Riverside, CA 92501
P.O. Box 868 | Riverside, CA 92502-0868
fderenzo@rcoe.us | www.rcoe.us