On Wednesday, May 15, 2019, 57 students from the Antelope Valley Union High School District (AVUHSD) graduated from the 3rd Annual Medical Exploring Post in the Antelope Valley hosted by Kaiser Permanente.

Exploring is Learning for Life’s career education program for young men and women who are at least 14 (and have completed 8^th grade) and not yet 21 years-old. Exploring is all about helping young adults make more informed decisions about future careers and determine which career is the right one for them. Before being accepted into the career preparation program, each student was required to complete a competitive application process, which included teacher recommendations.

Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley physicians and employees volunteered their time to provide real-world career experiences for the explorers to help them gain practical knowledge in the medical field through a variety of activities.

As a youth-led program, students organized monthly meetings including hands-on learning presentations, a tour of the Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley Medical Offices, a tour of the Kaiser Permanente Regional Lab, community service projects, CPR training, and a graduation ceremony celebrating their accomplishments.

“Kaiser Permanente is proud to be going into our fourth year hosting the Medical Exploring Program,” adds Tamara Riley, Assistant Medical Group Administrator, Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley and Medical Exploring Post Committee Chair. “This program is meant to expose students to a variety of careers in healthcare and help guide and inspire the next generation of medical professionals who will serve the communities they grew up in.”

During the graduation ceremony, local Kaiser Permanente, AVUHSD, elected and community leaders were in attendance to extend their congratulations during a graduation ceremony where students shared their experiences, conducted live demonstrations of their learnings, as well as, a special video presentation.

The Medical Exploring Post 661 hosted by Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley is one of many youth workforce development programs, including Hippocrates Circle for middle school students and our Volunteer Program for high school students and beyond.

Yesterday, AVUHSD recognized 19 individuals and organizations that have volunteered significant contributions to improving student career readiness through their commitment of time, resources and/or donations.

When the community joins with school districts in creating opportunities for our local youth, even greater things can happen. A HUGE thank you to all those who were recognized including: Kaiser Permanente, Northrop Grumman, Code to the Future, AMR, Lancaster School District, University of Antelope Valley, USAF, USDA, Air Force Research Laboratory, Odyssey Television, AV Family Optometry, Palmdale Playhouse, Frye Chiropractic, Judge Denise McLaughlin Bennett, AV Surgery Center, and Randy and Terry Scott.

A few weeks ago, a group of District educators presented at the Prepárate™: Educating Latinos for the Future of America conference about AVUHSD's successful AP Computer Science Principles course, which is available at all of our high school campuses and offers students the opportunity to learn about technology on a global spectrum.

The conference is a part of the College Board's commitment to educational excellence and equity for all students. Since 2007, educators and civic and community leaders have addressed the educational challenges facing Latino Americans. Prepárate highlights national models that are successfully preparing Latino students for college success and life. This was a proud moment for AVUHSD and its faculty and staff!

Pictured from left: Computer Science Teacher Jose Cortinas, Director of School Improvement Dr. Joe Kelly, Coordinator of Computer Science Marci Clement, Littlerock High School Principal Jose Barajas and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Greg Nehen.