Los Angeles Technology Center

Los Angeles Technology Center is proud to celebrate a meaningful semester in which we served over one hundred high school students in the Career Empowerment Academy from the following high schools:

Bernstein SH, Los Angeles High School, RFK Ambassador Global Leadership, RFK New Open World, WESM Health/Sports Med, West Adams Prep SH and Manual Arts High School.

Each student took important steps toward building their future and secured a $1,000 scholarship received on June 10,2026. A total of $1,000 scholarships were awarded to the Career Empowerment Academy students at Los Angeles Technology Center.

Students explored diverse career pathways, they took Personal Care Aide, Foundations of Health Careers, and Introduction to Construction trades.

Through hands-on learning and real-world application, many of our health pathway students earned industry-recognized certifications from the American Heart Association, including Bloodborne Pathogens and Basic Life Support (BLS). Students in the Foundations of Health Careers program not only gained exposure to a wide range of medical professions but also earned certifications in BLS, HIPAA, and Blood Pressure Skills—valuable credentials that open doors and build confidence.

In the construction program, students developed practical skills in plumbing, drywall, and electrical work. Beyond learning technical skills, they were introduced to career opportunities within the industry, helping them envision themselves in high-demand, rewarding fields.

At LATC, we believe that learning career technical skills is more than education—it is empowerment. These are skills that last a lifetime, providing stability, opportunity, and the ability to support oneself and one’s family. We are incredibly proud of our students for completing their courses and, more importantly, for gaining knowledge and skills that will serve them well into the future.

Equally important, students built essential 21st-century skills—collaborating in teams, communicating their ideas, and confidently presenting projects to their peers. These experiences strengthen not only their technical abilities but also their leadership and self-confidence.

We celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in their communities and beyond.

Advocating for adult education with Senator Lola-Smallwood.

Los Angeles Technology Center proudly participated in the CCAE Los Angeles Metro Section Awards Brunch held today at the Quiet Cannon Conference and Event Center.
It was an uplifting celebration of resilience, determination, and the life-changing power of adult education.

From the moment the ceremony began, there was a palpable sense of pride and purpose in the room. Each story shared was a reminder that behind every achievement is a journey marked by perseverance, courage, and hope. For many of our students, the path to this moment has not been easy, but it is precisely that determination that makes these recognitions so meaningful.

We are especially proud to celebrate Instructor Ms. Lakisha Carter, whose passion for teaching and unwavering belief in her students earned her the prestigious CALCO Teaching Excellence Award. Her classroom is more than a place of instruction; it is a space where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to pursue possibilities they once thought were out of reach.

Equally inspiring was the recognition of Itzel Salas, who received the Outstanding Student Scholarship Award. Her achievement is a testament to her resilience, hard work, and commitment to building a better future not only for herself but also for those who look up to her as a source of inspiration.

The ceremony also honored voices of advocacy that help shape the future of adult education. Students Jonathan Alvarez and Itzel Salas, alongside Instructor Ms. Osiris Ley Saldana were recognized for traveling to Sacramento to advocate for adult learners with groups from other schools. Their willingness to stand up, speak out, and represent their community reflects the powerful role our students and educators play beyond the classroom.

Surrounded by their peers, families, and colleagues, the support from the Los Angeles Technology Center community was both visible and heartfelt. Teachers, students, and administrators stood united in celebration, including Principal Mrs. Rocelia Beard, whose leadership continues to foster a culture where every student’s journey matters and every success is shared.

Today’s celebration was more than an awards ceremony—it was a powerful reminder of why we do this work. It was a celebration of second chances, new beginnings, and the belief that education can transform lives. The stories shared today will continue to inspire our entire community, reaffirming our commitment to creating opportunities, empowering learners, and building a future filled with hope.

By Ep

Thinking about going to college?

Congratulations to our incredible Assistant Principal of Operations, Elizabeth Penuela!

We are proud to celebrate her being honored with the George C. Mann Distinguished Service Award—the highest recognition awarded by the California Council for Adult Education (CCAE). This prestigious award honors educators whose careers exemplify outstanding leadership, unwavering dedication, and a deep commitment to advancing public school adult education in California.

Your impact continues to inspire students, staff, and the entire community. Well deserved! 👏

Season's greetings from the Los Angeles Technology Center.

The Los Angeles Technology Center is thrilled to shine the spotlight on two phenomenal team members who will be bestowed with prestigious honors from the California Council for Adult Education Los Angeles Metro Section during the Fall Awards recognition brunch this Sunday. Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Gunhey Oh, who will be the recipient of the Certificated Excellence in Support Service Award, and Mr. Arvin Angelo De Las Alas, recipient of the Classified Excellence in Support Services Award. Congratulations to both on this richly-deserved recognition. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

AFOC is celebrating Maria Perez, recipient of the CCAE Excellence in Support Services Award.ds

Maria’s journey in Adult Education began as a student. She took computer classes at Leavy Adult School, and her teacher quickly recognized her talent and dedication—referring her for a position as a Community Representative with Ms. Wong at Belmont, where she worked from 2003–2009. This early opportunity sparked her long commitment to serving adult learners.

From there, Maria continued building her career across several campuses. She worked as a Community Representative at Mid-City for nine years and now works at Jefferson Adult School, where she continues to support students and staff. Over the years, she has served in multiple roles, including campus aide and bookstore clerk.

Maria loves Adult Schools and is deeply passionate about outreach—passing out flyers, connecting with the community, and helping new students find their path. She has referred many learners to citizenship classes and takes great pride in being a bridge between high schools and Adult Ed.

She is a proud mother of four: one who graduated from Cal State LA, one currently at Cal State Fullerton, one studying at Rio Hondo, and one son who works for LAX.

In her free time, she enjoys going out to eat at diners with friends and talking for hours about life.

AFOC is proud to honor Maria for this well-deserved recognition.