Qtr 4 Career Education Newsletter
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program at HUENEME High!
Hueneme High School (HHS), in partnership with the Career Education Center/Regional Occupational Program (CEC/ROP), has officially been approved by the California Department of Public Health as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program! Hueneme High School is the only comprehensive high school in Ventura County approved as a CNA training program.
The school can now offer ROP CNA courses directly on the Hueneme High School campus under the CEC/ROP umbrella. It’s a major step forward in strengthening our medical pathways at HHS and expanding opportunities for our students and community.
Achieving this has been a six-year goal! With CEC and OUHSD aligned as program partners, we’re proud to celebrate this win-win achievement for our students and the Hueneme community!
A huge shoutout to HHS/CEC medical pathway team - Ms. Rosa Soliz, Ms. Camille Jauregui, Ms. Nicole Lopez, and Ms. Valeria Balderrama - and the HHS/CEC admin staff for their hard work, passion, and support!
Hueneme High School's first CNA cohort will start Fall 2025.
Go Vikings!
SKILLED TRADES AND OXNARD UNION PARTNER UP!
2ND ANNUAL SKILLED TRADES SUMMIT!
The Career Education Department proudly partnered with local community colleges and apprenticeship programs to host the 2nd Annual Student Skilled Trades Summit, which drew an impressive turnout of over 200 student participants. This dynamic event provided students valuable exposure to high-demand skilled trades through hands-on activities and direct engagement with industry professionals. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated community partners, College and Career Technicians, and CTE teachers for their instrumental role in recruiting and supporting students.
The Skilled Trades Summit was held in the gym at Del Sol High School. Students arrived to hear from the expert panel members: Steve Cruz from Laborers' International, Martin Rodriguez from Iron Workers Local 433/416, and Joshua Medrano from MC3 Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
SKILLED TRADES JOB FAIR!
The Career Education Department recently hosted its first OUHSD Skilled Trades Job Fair at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The event was open to all 12th-grade students interested in pursuing careers in the skilled trades and provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect with 13 local companies. Over 100 participants were able to explore career options, apply for positions, practice interview skills, and begin building a professional network in the skilled trades industry.
The Skilled Trades Job Fair was held at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. We are so thankful for the industry partners who participated: C&W Construction Specialties, Akeson Construction INC, California Designers Choice, David Akin Construction, GPM Pavement Management, Kaiser Air Conditioning, People Ready, Fence Factory, Hansen's Plumbing, Elemental Hardware Enrichment, Tradesmen International, Perimeter Security Systems, ABC SoCal, PSS Garces P & Gates, Trench Shoring Company.
VENTURA COUNTY PRODUCT DESIGN STUDENT SHOWCASE
The Career Education Department, in collaboration with the Ventura County Office of Education, proudly co-hosted the Spring Manufacturing Student Project Showcase. Student teams from Career Technical Education (CTE) programs—including Information & Communication Technology, Engineering, Building & Construction, and Manufacturing—presented innovative projects to local industry leaders.
Representatives from companies such as HAAS Automation, DW Drums, Port Hueneme Naval Surface Warfare Division, Mercury Systems, Scientific Cutting Tools, Takeda Pharmaceutical, Ventura County Works, Moorpark and Oxnard Colleges, Native Oak Inc., and the Ventura County Workforce Development Board were on hand to evaluate projects and engage with students.
Throughout the day, students received valuable feedback on key areas like product design, sustainability, technical precision, project management, and teamwork. A student "mix-and-mingle" encouraged peer networking and collaboration, while a special networking lunch offered the chance for students to hear directly from industry professionals about their career paths and advice for the future. Teams from ACHS, RCHS, RMHS, OHS, PHS, and HHS proudly represented the Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD), showcasing the creativity, innovation, and professionalism being cultivated through CTE programs across the district.
FUTURE HEALTHCARE HEROES IN ACTION!
Medical and Health Science HOSA (Future Health Professionals) students from Channel Islands, Hueneme, Oxnard, Pacifica, Rancho Campana, and Rio Mesa High Schools came together at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center for an exciting day of hands-on learning and skill demonstration. Students tested their knowledge and abilities in key emergency response areas:
- First Aid/CPR
- Bleeding Control
- Taking Vitals
- Choking Response
- Epi-Pen Administration
- Donning & Doffing PPE
- Narcan Use
We appreciate our amazing industry partners stepped up to support the event—serving as judges and hosting informational booths to help students explore careers in the medical field. It was an inspiring and educational day filled with teamwork, growth, and future-ready experiences. Thank you to everyone who made it possible!
HOSPITALITY NETWORKING LUNCHEON AND COMPETITION
Hospitality Industry partners, Brian Tucker, Dave Lion, and Kristal Silva from Ventura County Coast, Florencia Ramirez (The Kitchen Activist), Sabrina Ramirez (It’s All in the Details), Heather Bond from Oxnard College Culinary, Sabrina Zavala, Dominique Spence, and Chef Rick Rossignol from Ventura Beach Marriott joined our students from Channel Islands High, Rio Mesa High, and Pacifica High in the Culinary Citronee' networking luncheon dessert and table setting competition. The industry partners gave the students thoughtful feedback, encouraging words, and valuable insights from their real-world perspectives. Channel Islands students won the dessert competition, and Rio Mesa students won the table setting competition.
Spring into Success! Over 110 Students Soar in After-School Career Programs!
This spring, more than 110 students took their futures into their own hands by completing one of our dynamic after-school career programs: DRAGG, Oxnard Fire Technology, Community Law Enforcement Academy, Global Trades & Logistics, and Pre-Engineering.
These immersive programs offered students a front-row seat to real-world industries—equipping them with hands-on experience, career exploration credits, and powerful insights into high-demand fields. From turning wrenches and battling simulated blazes to exploring global commerce and engineering innovation, students didn’t just learn, they did. Each program sparked inspiration, built confidence, and opened doors to meaningful post-secondary pathways.
Congratulations to all our future firefighters, engineers, law enforcement professionals, and logistics leaders. The journey has just begun!
teens teach tech @ achs and hhs!
Through a partnership with Connected Nation, two ambitious schools have been hosting in person and virtual trainings to adults in our community. Adolfo Camarillo High, under the direction of ICT Instructor, FBLA, and Robotics Advisor Mr. Jeff Jackson, students have trained over 340 adults, earning over $4000. The funds will be used for the marketing programs, providing leadership experiences and training, program supplies, to support FBLA and FIRST charities, as an incubation fund for campus start up businesses, and to aid in fun, educational collaborations with other clubs and programs on campus. The students have many ideas for the new school year and funds to make student dreams a reality.
COURSES taught:
- Internet Basics
- Email Basics
- Computer Basics
- Mobile Device Basics
- Internet Safety
- Video Conferencing
Adults wishing to be trained by the TeensTeachTech student groups may contact ACHS Advisor Jeff Jackson at jeff.jackson@oxnardunion.org or HHS Advisor Julie Cole at julie.cole@oxnardunion.org.
1ST ANNUAL CAREER EDUCATION FILM FESTIVAL
Special thanks to our incredible industry judges and panelists:
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Aimee Allred – Graphic Artist, Searle Creative
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Rubin Bryant – Producer
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Loretta Cabayudao – Former Printer, SkillsUSA
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Luis Castro – Filmmaker, Shoegazers
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Teodoro Lopez – Multimedia Coordinator
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Crystian Macias – Film Student
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Brianna Mellon – Public Information Officer
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Larry Oliver – Owner, Fast Signs
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Daniel Sagasta – Screenwriter, Shoegazers
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Jose Perez – Filmmaker
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Daniel Salas – Filmmaker
The Career Education Department proudly hosted the inaugural OUHSD Film Festival at Oxnard High School!
Students from Adolfo Camarillo High School (ACHS), Del Sol High School (DSHS), Oxnard High School (OHS), Hueneme High School (HHS), Frontier High School (FHS), and Rio Mesa High School (RMHS) showcased their creative talents through submissions such as movie poster designs, short films, original screenplays, public service announcements/commercials, and broadcast news segments.
A panel of local industry experts judged the entries, which were featured during the festival. Students also had the opportunity to interact with professionals from the Arts, Media, and Entertainment (AME) industry, gaining valuable insights into career and training pathways in the field.
We were honored to welcome Luis MacArthur, Mayor of Oxnard, and actor Vince Lozano, who delivered an inspiring keynote message to students. Their presence helped make the event even more memorable and meaningful.
This exciting event was a true celebration of student voice, artistic expression, and career exploration. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the first OUHSD Film Festival a success!
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated AME Pathway Teachers for guiding and supporting student creativity:
- Mr. Trae Briers-Frontier High
- Mr. Omar Espinoza - Adolfo Camarillo High
- Mr. Markus Linecker - Oxnard High
- Mrs. Barbara Pickles - Hueneme High
- Mrs. Abigail Santana - Adolfo Camarillo High
- Ms. Irene Sy - Rio Mesa High School
BEST SHORT FILM
Lennon Fausset, Adolfo Camarillo High
for "SPOILS"
BEST PSA/COMMERCIAL
Cody Deffenbaugh, Adolfo Camarillo High
BEST FESTIVAL POSTER
Evelyn Tavira, Adolfo Camarillo High
BEST TV BROADCAST
Live at the Hive, Oxnard High
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Lexie Jara, Frontier High
2025 CTE PATHWAY AMbassadors
Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathway Student Ambassadors are student leaders who represent their specific CTE programs and serve as role models, advocates, and peer mentors within their school or district. They play a key role in promoting CTE pathways and helping to build awareness, engagement, and pride in career-focused learning.
- Represent the CTE Program at school events, board meetings, career fairs, and recruitment activities.
- Mentor and support peers who are new to or interested in joining a CTE pathway.
- Advocate for CTE by sharing their experiences with stakeholders such as administrators, industry partners, parents, and the community.
- Assist instructors and counselors with orientation sessions, workshops, or classroom presentations.
- Showcase CTE skills through demonstrations, student panels, or public speaking opportunities.
Adolfo Camarillo CTE Pathway Ambassadors
Commercial Photography Pathway - Evelyn Tavira, Micah Torres, Ava Warren
Info, Comm, & Tech Pathway - Victor Antonio Perez, William Redekopp, Evan Wang
Architecture/Product Innovation and Design - Braddock Beifuss and Erin Bennett
Channel Islands CTE Pathway Ambassadors
Health Science & Medical Tech Pathway - Jensly Galvez Portillo,
Gustavo Alcala Pureco, Eduardo Hernandez
Patient Care Pathway - Miriam Salvador
Marine Science Academy - Reyna Nestor
Frontier High CTE Pathway Ambassadors
Criminal Justice Pathway - Emmanuel Orozco
Video & Film Production Pathway - Lexie Jara
Hueneme High CTE Pathway Ambassadors
Education Pathway - Emily Orozco, Katarina Reighard
Engineering Pathway - Juliette Lara, Jorge Ruiz, Isela Sanchez
Oxnard High CTE Pathway Ambassadors
Sports Medicine Pathway - Helena Bacer, Melissa Cortez
Manufacturing & Product Innovation - Andrik Jaime, Jorge Santana
Pacifica High CTE Pathway Ambassadors
Health Science Academy - Migel Salcido, Abbygael Rodriguez, Ashley Rodriguez
Info, Comm, & Tech Pathway - Isacc Sabido, Angelina Zizumbo, Aryan Mishor
Culinary Arts Academy - Olive De La Cruz, Oscar Vasquez
Rancho Campana High CTE Pathway Ambassadors
Commercial Photography Pathway - Ella Garner, Cailyn Ott, Arianna Ramos
Rio Mesa High CTE Pathway Ambassadors
Baking & Pastry Pathway - Alex Diaz, Maya Garcia
Video & Film Production Pathway - Sean Alexis Ibarreta, Aashcharya Karunaratne, Jared Montevirgen
PRODUCT INNOVATION AND DESIGN @ ACHS
This spring has been packed with achievement and celebration in the Architecture & Product Design pathways!
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65 students earned Western States Carpenters Career Connection Certificates and Technical Skills Assessment Certificates of Achievement recognized during a special presentation by Ventura County Schools Superintendent Dr. Cesar Morales.
- $1000 Wachtel CTE Scholarship to support college or skilled trades education!
- 11 students were awarded a total of $22,000 in scholarships from the Gene Haas Foundation.
- Over 20 CTE students also received the Jeans B. Fields Scholarship for outstanding commitment to career and technical education.
- The 8th Annual Woodshop Olympics brought energy, teamwork, and skill to the spotlight, an unforgettable event!
- Students proudly signed the Woodshop Wall of Fame now with over 100 names representing dedication and achievement.
- Students auctioned the dog house made by the All-Female Production Innovation team benefitting the Ventura County Animal Rescue.
- Architecture students launched SS Scorpian , a student-built boat, for a maiden voyage around the ACHS pool bringing hands-on design to life!
- The ACHS SkillsUSA chapter was honored at the SkillsUSA State Conference with a Bronze level Chapter of Distinction Award, earning the chapter $1000 in incentive funding.
These milestones reflect the creativity, talent, and hard work of our students and staff. We couldn’t be prouder!
EDUCATION PATHWAY
Education Pathway Students Take Next Step Toward Teaching Careers
The Career Education Department hosted a ParaPro Exam day for capstone students in the Education Pathway. Held in partnership with the OUHSD Human Resources Department, this event offered students a hands-on opportunity to take the nationally recognized exam, which is a first step toward becoming a paraeducator. Director Karen Boyd kicked off the day with a presentation on the benefits of working as a paraeducator in Oxnard Union High School District and walked students through the application process. Lavada White, Program Specialist, shared how paraeducator roles can lead to careers in education—especially in Special Education—and co-proctored the exam alongside CTE Program Specialist Debra Gallagher.
Students from ACHS, HHS, and PHS not only completed the exam but also participated in workshops exploring post-secondary training options available after graduation. Special thanks to our dedicated CTE teachers, HR team, and college partners for supporting this opportunity. Events like these reflect the power of Career Education to connect students with real-world experience, professional guidance, and meaningful pathways into high-demand careers.
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
Students from Adolfo Camarillo High and Hueneme High successfully participated in the FCCLA CA State Conference held in Riverside. Nayra Osornio competed in the Focus on Children event and came in 3rd place with a score of 93.3794, coming up behind 2nd place by 6/10ths of a point. Nayra's project centered on the effects of bullying on social-emotional development.
Three students from Hueneme High were also voted in as Regional Officers for the 2025-26 school year. Junior Katarina Reighard as President, and sophomores Guadalupe Mendoza as VP of Public Relations and Aurora Lesher as VP of Competitive Events. Advisor, Ms. Olivia Hernandez, will now be the Region 7 Coordinator for the 2025-26 school year.
PHS Health Science Academy Shines at
Annual Health Showcase & Public Health Fair
The Health Science Academy (HSA) at Pacific High School hosted its highly anticipated Health Showcase and Public Health Fair, drawing over 2,000 students and community members. This vibrant event spotlighted the talent and dedication of HSA juniors and seniors as they demonstrated their knowledge and passion for health-related careers.
Juniors partnered with HealthCorps to create engaging, interactive booths centered around key pillars of wellness: mental resilience, nutrition, and physical fitness. Their creativity and enthusiasm brought important health topics to life for their peers through hands-on activities and real-world applications.
Meanwhile, seniors took a deeper dive into community health concerns through a research-based collaboration with Ventura County Public Health (VCPH). Mentored by public health professionals, including epidemiologists, these future healthcare leaders explored urgent local health issues and presented their data-driven findings to the public.
With the participation of over 15 community partners, the event served as a powerful example of how school-based programs can connect students to real-world careers, critical thinking, and civic engagement. The Health Showcase and Public Health Fair not only celebrated student achievement—it also promoted wellness and awareness across the campus and beyond.
Career Technical Education (CTE) Transition Guides
CTE Transition Guides: Career Technical Education (CTE) Transition Guides
The Career Technical Education (CTE) Transition Guides are designed to support students on their journey from career awareness to career readiness and post-secondary success. By aligning post-secondary opportunities with students’ chosen CTE pathways, the Transition Guides help students make informed decisions about their futures and take meaningful steps toward their career goals.
Beginning in 8th and 9th grade, students are introduced to a variety of career awareness and exploration opportunities.
These include:
- Career assessments
- CTE summer camps
- Engaging career-focused events
- Introductory CTE courses that help students begin identifying areas of interest.
From 10th through 12th grade, students transition into career preparation through a wide range of options.
These may include:
• Enrolling in Regional Occupational Program (ROP) courses
• Participating in after-school career programs
• Attending the Annual Career Expo and other district-wide events
• Engaging in workshops and resources offered by the College and Career Center
The primary focus of the CTE Transition Guides is to highlight post-secondary program options, many located within a 60-mile radius of Ventura County.
These include:
• Community colleges
• Four-year universities
• Apprenticeship programs
• Vocational training opportunities
OXNARD HIGH SCHOOL • RANCHO CAMPANA HIGH SCHOOL • RIO MESA HIGH SCHOOL
https://metaljacketlabs.com/
@_metaljacketslab
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@rcmakes
Questions about these programs? Contact us!
Monica Phillippe
Director of Career Education
(805) 278-1607
monica.phillippe@oxnardunion.org
Teresa Telles
Coordinator of Work Based Learning
(805) 487-7582
teresa.telles@oxnardunion.org
Constina Baylor
CTE Career Development Specialist
(805) 278-2930
constina.baylor@oxnardunion.org
Tammy Byrd
Director's Secretary
(805) 394-4772
tammy.byrd@oxnardunion.org