COLLEGE & CAREER PATHWAYS

Our Career Technical Education (CTE) program gives students real-world skills and college credit opportunities - starting in high school.

Our pathways empower students to turn their passions into paychecks and their dreams into careers. We offer industry-linked programs, real-world experience, and expert guidance - all designed to launch students toward college, trade, or tech success.

What to Expect in CTE Classes

Hands-on learning connected to real industries

Classes may include internships, job site visits, and technical training

Led by highly qualified teachers with real-world experience

Focus on professionalism, safety, and technology

What Students Gain

By graduation, LPS CTE students are:

  • Career Ready – With a plan, skills, and confidence
  • Technically Skilled – Trained with tools used in today’s workforce
  • Professionally Prepared – With a digital portfolio and industry experience
  • Educationally Equipped – Ready for college or trade programs
  • Civically Engaged – Leaders in their communities

CTE Course Levels

CTE classes follow a clear sequence to build student skills step-by-step

Introductory Courses (Intro): Entry-level classes that introduce students to a career field and build foundational knowledge

Concentrator Courses (Con): Intermediate classes that dive deeper into a specific career pathway

Capstone Courses (Cap): The final and most advanced course in a pathway, preparing students to apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings

Degrees & Certifications

As students complete CTE coursework, they may earn:

  • CP – Certificate of Proficiency
  • CA – Certificate of Achievement
  • AA – Associate of Arts
  • AS – Associate of Science


College-Approved Courses
Most CTE classes at LPS count toward the “A-G” requirements for University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) admissions—and are also accepted by private and out-of-state colleges.

Early College Credit Opportunities

We partner with local community colleges so students can earn college credit while still in high school—often for free!
Colleges include:

  • Contra Costa College (Richmond)
  • Peralta Community College District (Oakland)
  • Chabot College (Hayward)

Students can take part through Dual Enrollment or Concurrent Enrollment:

Dual Enrollment

  • Classes take place at LPS
  • FREE tuition, textbooks, and materials
  • Grades and credits go directly on the LPS transcript
  • Available to all interested students

Concurrent Enrollment

  • Classes take place at a college campus
  • More course options
  • Students are responsible for sending their transcript to LPS
  • Some campuses may charge small fees for books or applications

Credit Transfer Example:

  • 3 College Units = 10 LPS Credits
  • 4 College Units = 13 LPS Credits

College & Career Pathway Advisory Board

The LPS College & Career Advisory Board brings together industry experts and community leaders to help strengthen our College and Career Pathway Program. While not a decision-making body, the board provides valuable insights, connections, and real-world perspectives to expand opportunities for students and support their success beyond high school.

Dezaree Doroliat

College & Career Counselor, LPS Richmond

Ms. Dezaree, College Counselor, joined LPS Richmond in August 2021. Ms. Dez spent the last seven years building a comprehensive school and college counseling program as the School Counselor at Nea CLC, a K-12 project-based public charter school in Alameda. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from USD with a MA in Counseling specializing in School Counseling and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential. She also holds a BA in Sociology with Minors in Education & Applied Psychology and Art History from UCSB. From mental health issues, poverty, Navy life, the immigrant experience to being a first-generation college grad, Ms. Dez faced many challenges. Still, her parents believed education would be the solution to a better life. She is focused on building a program that aligns with the LPS model and approaches and supports students as whole individuals, not just statistics. Her goal is to help each student reach their fullest potential through judgment-free, data-informed, and solution-focused counseling. When she is not working, Ms. Dez lives in Alameda, CA, with her partner and their puppo. She gained a green thumb and a love of plants during the shelter-in-place. Ms. Dez enjoys spending time with family, weight lifting, cycling, reading, gardening, and playing video games.

CONTACT

sanara fulmore (pippins)

Dual Enrollment Teacher, LPS Oakland R&D

Sanara has a heart and drive for the academic progress and success of Bay Area youth. Starting her career working for a former group home in Oakland, California, and Child Protective Services, Sanara chose to work in the education sector to help students to understand education is the key no matter what challenges they face. Sanara is excited to work teach Juniors and Seniors as they learn about college life through our Dual Enrollment courses. Students are learning about subjects such as Communications and Sociology, while rising to the demands of deadlines, commnications with professors and classmates, and college-level writing and argument. Sanara works to unpack the lessons, reading and assignment expectations which are so necessary for students new to Dual Enrollment and those with language barriers. Sanara also teaches advisory for 9th grade students and other classes in Film and Business. No matter the classes, the approach is the same: excellence, follow-through, everyone is capable and worthy. Sanara is an alumni of Holy Names University and soon to be UC Berkeley in Business and Finance. Sanara lives in Oakland, California with her husband, two teenage children and mother. When not caring for all, Sanara continues to work in music professionally and loves to visit the beach.

CONTACT

Gennette Kimber

Network Program Supervisor of SPED, LPS

Gennette is a new resident of the Bay Area, bringing 18 ½ years of experience in special education, career and technical education, and leadership. She is thrilled to be the new Network Program Supervisor for Leadership Public Schools. Gennette has dedicated her career to educational equity and supporting individuals who supervise special education staff and those interested in working with students with special needs. She served as the only African-American Supervisor of special education in Mississippi’s Southern Six Special Education Consortium from 2015 to June 2021. This consortium comprises the 18 school districts in the southern six counties in Mississippi, including the Gulf Coast. Gennette received her AA in Business Administration from Mississippi Delta Community College in Moorhead, MS; BS degree in Mild/Moderate Disabilities from Delta State University in Cleveland, MS; and her Master of Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi in Long Beach, MS. She continues to pursue her passion for equity for all students as she now works toward a Specialist Degree from William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS, focusing on children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. Gennette loves exploring Oakland with her familiy here. She has three children, one son-in-law, and two grandchildren who will visit often from Mississippi and Virginia.

CONTACT

Latonya Pye

Career & Community Leadership Coordinator, LPS Richmond

LaTonya Pye currently serves as the Career & Community Leadership Coordinator at Leadership Public Schools (Richmond). Before taking on this role, LaTonya was previously a Student Ally for 2 years. She has worked in various areas of education for 10 years, including work with K-12 students with diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder. LaTonya is a first generation college graduate, graduating from San Francisco State University with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. After continuing her career development, she obtained her MA in Psychology, with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University. LaTonya is a Bay Area native with a passion for supporting and giving back to the communities where she grew up. When she is not working, LaTonya spends her time as a travel enthusiast and a hardcore Golden State Warriors fan!

CONTACT