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Education Mar 28, 2022
Chris Holden. | Photo courtesy of @AssemblymemberChrisHolden/Facebook
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In early March, Options for Youth (OFY) hosted California State Assemblymember for District 41, Chris Holden, at their Pasadena campus located at 3130 E Colorado Blvd. This was the first time Assemblymember Holden had toured an OFY facility.
During the visit, Assemblymember Holden was taken on a tour of the small school campus by OFY Principal Richard Moreno. The campus was designed as an alternative to traditional learning environments where students can meet one-on-one with their teachers and study in a safe, distraction-free setting.
Employing a blended learning model with online as well as guided independent study and small group classes, OFY schools were uniquely positioned to transition to remote-only programming in spring 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to shut down, but many students and staff are relieved to finally return to campus.
As teachers and families try to reestablish a sense of comfort and normalcy this semester, Moreno felt it was important to reconnect with local leaders to celebrate the resiliency of Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley Foothill communities. OFY extended an invitation to Holden based on shared interests in preparing young people for successful entry into college and the workforce.
In 2015, Holden launched College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP), a program that helps high school students gain access to and experience with college-level coursework. Holden had also been a key contributor to the expansion of the Metro Gold Line, transpiration frequently used by OFY students, families, and staff.
“Red tape on education is a disservice to our youth and future generations. Schools should work with students to provide a safe and healthy environment for students to excel. Options For Youth is an example of a charter school that works with students where they are and helps them see their hidden talents that can inform their future career trajectories. I am excited to learn that Options for Youth Students are currently benefiting from my bill, AB-102 dual-enrollment and starting their careers with a strong foundation,” said Holden.
Assemblymember Holden discussed the OFY model with teachers and staff members and observed learning in action during his meet at the center. As an advocate for robust postsecondary planning, Holden was particularly interested to hear about OFY’s dual enrollment programming and exclusive Workforce Innovation Opportunities Act (WIOA) partnership.
Career Technical Education (CTE) courses are available to all OFY students in growing career pathways such as nursing, construction, and information technology.
Moreno remarked that “It was a pleasure hosting Assemblymember Holden at our school site. I’m glad that he got to see firsthand the meaningful work teachers do every day to support our students, not only academically but emotionally as well. He fully appreciated our approach on educating the whole child.”
