Shaping Future AV Specialists: DUSD, AVIXA, & 2CPR Group Unveil a Groundbreaking Audiovisual Career Pathway at Educating for Careers
An impactful collaboration between Downey Unified School District (DUSD), AVIXA, and 2CPR Group, Inc. culminated in a groundbreaking presentation at the Educating for Careers conference in 2023. Titled "An Untapped Market – Audiovisual Career Pathways," the panel showcased the successful implementation of the first-ever AVIXA backed high school Audiovisual Career Pathway in the United States at Warren High School.
John Harris, Director of College and Career Readiness at DUSD, and his dedicated team at the district and Warren High School, along with instructor Robert Peterson, Sean Glumace, the Chief Operating Officer at 2CPR Group, and Joseph Valerio, the Director of Workforce Development at AVIXA and the Program Director of the AVIXA Foundation, were central figures in this pioneering project. They worked over several years to create a robust pathway and practical curriculum, emphasizing the importance of industry-school partnerships in developing career-focused education.
AVIXA, the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, brought invaluable industry knowledge and perspective to this partnership. AVIXA's collaboration with DUSD and 2CPR Group underscores their commitment to nurturing the next generation of audiovisual professionals.
Located in Downey, California, DUSD displayed its progressive approach to education through this initiative. The commitment shown by DUSD sets a precedent for other institutions aiming to blend academic learning with industry-oriented education.
To ensure the curriculum remained current and industry-relevant, the DUSD instructional team regularly attended InfoComm, the largest professional audiovisual trade show in North America, forging industry partnerships and gleaning knowledge to enrich the classroom experience.
The impact of this initiative is best seen in the success of AV instructor Robert Petersen's class at Warren High School, the launching point for the program. Over 50 students participated in two Essential classes, with more than 25 of them earning their AVIXA-Recognized AV Technologist Certificate and 34 passing and receiving certification in the SynAudCon Course 50 – How Sound Systems Work. These outcomes underscore the practicality and effectiveness of this novel curriculum.
Angela Allison, Chief Executive Officer of 2CPR Group, highlighted the significance of this achievement. "Downey is leading the way to train a new generation for the AV world," she stated. "The industry is in need of fresh talent, and with a curriculum based on AVIXA and industry input, we're ensuring our students are equipped with relevant, in-demand skills."
The collaboration resulted in an innovative two-year, 300-hour Career Technical Education pathway, comprising two cornerstone courses: Audiovisual Technology Essentials and Audiovisual Technology Capstone. These courses provide an intensive, comprehensive understanding of audiovisual systems integration, preparing students for entry-level careers or further education in the audiovisual industry.
Through their presentation at Educating for Careers 2023, DUSD, 2CPR Group, and AVIXA showcased the transformative potential of industry-driven education. The success of the Audiovisual Career Pathway, a result of steadfast collaboration, paints an inspiring picture of the future of high school education in the U.S.
By sharing insights about the program's workings and successful implementation, the panel serves as an essential guide for other educators and school districts interested in creating similar programs. The pioneering efforts of DUSD, 2CPR Group, and AVIXA signal a new era in high school education, one that aligns learning with industry needs, better preparing students for their future careers and life after graduation.
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About Certification and Career Pathways Readiness Group (2CPR Group):
2CPR Group specializes in bridging the gap between education and industry, emphasizing business development facilitation. Our expertise spans career pathway project development, audit preparation for federal, state, and district programs, certification solution design, grant writing and execution, as well as CTE and academic professional development. Highly skilled in industry outreach, we organize field trips, industry advisory boards, site visits, tours, and more to further build connections between industry and education.
At 2CPR Group, we are committed to fostering mutually advantageous relationships that drive growth and success for both education and industry partners. If you are interested in our services, please contact us.
