downey unified school district

In this episode of Future Groove, we explore the world of Esports in schools, specifically in the Downey Unified School District. Alan Zack, Dr. Cari White, and Russ Heike discuss the increasing engagement of students in their studies, particularly in STEM careers, as a result of Esports mega-events. They share how Esports, with its focus on teamwork, strategy, and STEM classes, has won over skeptical parents and funneled students into skills-based classes, such as game programming. Additionally, we learn about how Esports experiences can count towards college admissions and promote career exploration in the rapidly-evolving gaming industry.

Questions and Topics Covered:

• (01:35) - Introducing the Esports industry.
• (04:41) - Career opportunities in the Esports industry.
• (07:30) - Why even include Esports as a student activity?
• (09:35) - What are the logistics of bringing Esports to the schools?
• (12:55) - Exploring the partnership with the Carrot Group and DUSD.
• (15:30) - Student stories on the impact of Esports.
• (21:06) - The Carrot Group and career development in Esports.
• (30:46) - Transferable skills and other benefits with Esports in school.
• (35:04) - What is the future of Esports in DUSD?

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In this episode, we explore the world of welding and the important role it plays in our daily lives. Our guests, veteran welders Bryan Mazariegos and Carlos Cervantes, share their experiences working in the welding industry before joining Downey Unified's Career Technical Education program.

We discuss their passion for guiding students through the welding process and helping them graduate with valuable college credit and industry-recognized skills. The high-demand and well-paid field of welding offers a range of diverse opportunities for certified craftspeople both locally and abroad.

Tune in to learn more about the exciting world of welding and the rewarding career paths it offers.

Topics and Questions Covered:

• (01:47) - Bryan's story and welding background.
• (05:06) - Carlo's story and his introduction into welding.
• (14:35) - Diving deeper into the current welding industry and the high demand for this trade.
• (18:37) - Types of welding and the discussion on the skills needed.
• (24:25) - What are the students learning in your welding program?
• (29:24) - The positive change in the students' confidence and behavior before and after the program.
• (34:06) - The partnership with Cerritos College and Columbus High School.
• (36:50) - The benefits of having two welding professors.
• (41:10) - The future vision of the welding program and Columbus High School.

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In this episode, we hear from Downey Unified Superintendent Dr. John Garcia as he reflects on his 31 years as an educator and what it means to be in 'legacy mode.' As a Downey High graduate, Dr. Garcia is the first alum to lead the district and has an executive MBA and a doctorate in education, which have helped him create a visionary action plan for bridging classroom learning to industry. Dr. Garcia emphasizes the importance of collaboration between schools, businesses, government, and community groups, and discusses how Downey is modeling effective practices in college and career readiness. Tune in to hear his insights on how public schools can stay relevant in preparing students for our digital economy.

Questions and Topics Covered:

• (01:37) - Dr. John Garcia's story and how he got into education.
• (03:27) - Challenges that are facing public education in Southern California.
• (06:22) - Dr. Garcia's career development in connecting business and public education.
• (08:14) - How CTE is meeting the needs of the students in Downey Unified School Districts.
• (12:40) - Bridging the gap between the private sector and public education.
• (17:13) - Being the superintendent in DUSD and the secret sauce of this school district.
• (20:58) - How the staff supports the district overall, and the winning formula for DUSD.
• (24:40) - The working relationship between DUSD and Cerritos College.
• (28:23) - Dr. John's future groove and the future of DUSD.

Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media