Pomona Unified School District is poised to enhance its college and career readiness initiatives following a comprehensive presentation at the recent board meeting on May 7, 2025. The proposal, presented by Mr. Luis Rodriguez and program administrator Monique Cardenas, aims to revise graduation requirements to better integrate Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways into the curriculum.

Currently, only 33.1% of students in the district are deemed prepared for college or careers, significantly below the California average of 45.3%. The presentation highlighted that while many students meet college readiness through A-G requirements, few complete the necessary CTE pathways, which are crucial for career readiness. The proposal suggests increasing the CTE graduation requirement from 10 to 20 credits, thereby ensuring that all students engage in career-focused education.

The board discussed the implications of this change, emphasizing that integrating CTE into graduation requirements could lead to a substantial increase in the number of students classified as prepared for both college and careers. By aligning CTE with existing academic requirements, the district hopes to not only meet but exceed state averages in readiness indicators.

In addition to the proposed changes, the meeting addressed concerns about maintaining elective courses, such as music and arts, which are vital for student engagement. Rodriguez assured board members that the proposed adjustments would not eliminate these opportunities, as students would still have the option to pursue a variety of electives alongside CTE pathways.

The board's commitment to enhancing career readiness reflects a broader trend in education, recognizing the importance of equipping students with practical skills for the workforce. As the district moves forward with these proposals, it aims to create a more robust framework for student success, ensuring that every graduate is prepared for the challenges of higher education and the job market. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential implementation strategies to realize these goals.