CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA – La Puente High School’s (LPHS) Career Technical Education (CTE) Public Safety Pathway has been recognized as a National School of Excellence by the Law and Public Safety Education Network (LAPSEN). It is one of only eight schools in California to receive this designation, which highlights exemplary programs in public safety education.

In addition to the school-wide recognition, Challenge Coins – a respected honor awarded by peers in the field – were presented to Public Safety Pathway instructor Antonia Ramirez, LPHS counselor Melissa Bravata, and LPHS principal Dr. Lisa Lopez for their leadership and commitment to developing the pathway.

“This award not only acknowledges the work that’s gone into building this program, but also the achievements of our students and graduates,” Ramirez said. “We focus on providing real-world opportunities so that students graduate with skills that are directly applicable in the workforce.”

The Public Safety Pathway consists of four core courses: criminal justice, forensic science, and a capstone dispatching class where students can learn, test for, and become certificated to work as a police dispatcher once they are 18 years old. An optional course is available in public safety.

Upon completion of the pathway, students are prepared for careers in areas such as law enforcement, dispatching, firefighting, forensic science, and emergency services. Students can also transition into postsecondary programs, including Mt. San Antonio College’s forensic science course.

“We are so proud and honored to receive this recognition, not only for the District and the state, but also throughout the nation,” Lopez said. “Our students can apply these skills into whichever career they go into after graduation, which is a testament to the strength of the curriculum and broader impact of the program.”

Students in the program participate in field experiences such as visits to 911 communications centers, guest lectures, interactions with judges and LPHS pathway alumni, and workshops with public safety professionals. These experiences aim to provide a comprehensive view of the industry and its career opportunities.

LPHS rising senior Raquel Florentino enrolled in the program with the goal of using the skills she learned to support her community and struggling youth. She credits Ramirez for helping her build her administrative and social skills, along with her confidence, throughout the pathway.

“Earning this award really represents not only us and our hard work, but also Mrs. Ramirez’s teaching skills and dedication to this program,” said Florentino, who plans to continue into a career in medical examining. “What inspired me the most was the forensic science pathway because it helped me realize that there are other pathways that can help me go into the field that I want to go in.”

Hacienda La Puente Unified offers 28 CTE programs across 16 career pathways in 11 industry sectors. Each pathway includes a sequence of four courses, ending in a capstone project or certification, and includes opportunities for internships and work-based learning.

“La Puente High School and Mrs. Ramirez have developed a program that effectively meets workforce needs while providing students with meaningful, hands-on experience,” said HLPUSD Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez. “This recognition affirms our commitment to preparing students for both postsecondary education and immediate career opportunities.”

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LPHSCTEPATHWAY1: La Puente High School’s Career Technical Education Public Safety Pathway has been recognized as a National School of Excellence by the Law and Public Safety Education Network.