Blog Archives

MUSD receives $2M grant to boost Career Technical Education pathways

12/16/2024

A $2 million Career Technical Education Incentive Grant, facilitated through the California Department of Education, has been an unequivocal windfall for Milpitas High School’s Extension at the MUSD Innovation Campus - the centerpiece of the district’s career pathways development initiative.

And it nearly didn’t happen.

Despite short notice of and unforeseen challenges in the application process, MHS Principal and Chief Innovator of New Campus Programs Greg Wohlman, along with colleague and MHS Lead Digital Business Academy Teacher Andrea Hutchison, secured the seven-figure state funding considered a game-changer in the enhancement and expansion of MUSD’s Engineering Academy Program.

“The short timeline and up against the odds motivated me more,” said Principal Wohlman, who worked in tandem with Hutchison to submit MUSD’s application by the CDE’s deadline even after a late-night computer glitch erased more than half of the information and data needed to win over the decision-makers.

“The best part about getting this grant, despite all the hard work, is how much this will help to expand and improve this program, offering students industry standard hardware and software and providing them with real world experiences to prepare them for their future.” Andrea Hutchison

For the current 2024-25 school year, the grant has already been utilized for everything from the purchase of hand tools, 3D print machines, vinyl printers and consumable materials to scheduling of staff training and professional development to keep up with industry partners in the ever-advancing technological landscape. All grant funds must be exhausted by January 2026.

"From the award of the grant to the implementation and now to see the students working with the staff, machines, and consumables that are funded from the grant brings the process full circle,” Wohlman shared. “I am so grateful to CDE for the grant award that will not only affect our students now but generations of students that will follow."

This grant, combined with a $750,000 donation to the MUSD Innovation Campus capital campaign from global technology leader KLA Foundation, and the hiring of Engineering teacher Kristin Berbawy (who brought some of her own cache of equipment for students), have made an immediate impact in developing curriculum and working on machinery that matches real-world industry standards.

“Those are the three key factors to make this place go,” said Principal Wohlman of the CDE grant, KLA donation and Ms. Berbawy, who teaches Introduction to Engineering, Computer Science and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) at the MHS Extension at the MUSD Innovation Campus.

Now nearly halfway through the first year of the Extension, which is a key piece to the more than $90 million, 100,000 square foot sprawling innovation campus, the team is already thinking ahead to the future - applying for the next round of the CDE’s CTE grant, continually recruiting business partners for entrepreneurships and internships, and seeking more career pathway opportunities in fields such as Advanced Manufacturing, e-Sports, and Audio/Video production.

“Our vision only becomes reality when we have leaders who strive to make what’s possible possible,” said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan. “Their innovative leadership exemplifies what it means to build a world class education for all MUSD learners and team members!”

Milpitas Adult Education’s Liji Zeng earns CalWORKS Achievement Award

12/12/2024

Motivated by her need to support two school-aged children and better herself in the process, Chinese immigrant Liji Zeng has persevered through family tragedy to remain a student within the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program at Milpitas Adult Education (MAE).

“My goal is to learn English,” said Liji, whose husband passed away from cancer in 2022. “I need to take care of my family and I need to get a better job. If I don’t understand English, then I can’t do those things.”

Each weekday, Liji drops her youngest daughter at Marshall Pomeroy Elementary School and the older sibling at Thomas Russell Middle School en route to the MUSD Innovation Campus where she is currently in Vini Jain’s ESL level 4 class.

“Her journey is a testament to her hard work, dedication and unwavering perseverance in the face of numerous challenges,” said Jain, who first taught Liji in her ESL level 2 class. “Alongside her academic achievements, she is a devoted mother to her two daughters aged 14 and 8, whom she has inspired with her determination and commitment to creating a better future for their family.”

Liji’s amazing educational journey recently garnered recognition as a recipient of a CalWORKS Achievement Award, which honors those who have used CalWORKS services to improve their lives and contribute to their community.

“Liji is a hard working young lady, an industrious student, and a loving and dedicated mother to her two children,” said CalWORKS Site Rep Minh Nguyen, who started working with Liji in February 2023. “She often has perfect attendance in her ESL classes, follows through with her plans and stays focused on her personal and family goals. She has improved her English competency skills and has become more and more confident in handling her daily life as a woman and as a mother.”

Liji immigrated from China to the United States in 2013. She began ESL level 1 and 2 courses in 2016, but stopped after having a baby. Liji returned to ESL class in 2021 at MAE, and has worked her way up to ESL level 4 with one more level remaining. During this time, she took care of her ailing parents-in-law and husband before his passing. In need of assistance, Liji registered for aid with the CalWORKS program.

“Liji is a very dedicated student who comes to class everyday and works hard to improve herself, her skills, and her life,” Jain shared. “As her teacher, I see that she is doing her very best to make the most of every day for herself and her daughters.”

While she runs a small clothing business, Liji is keeping her options open to different career pathways that will allow her to provide for her family. “I am so appreciative of Milpitas Adult Education. They have given me so much information, like the job fair and different colleges. I’ve gotten a lot of information that’s good for me,” Liji shared.

MAE Principal Giuliana Brahim is proud to have Liji as a student in the MAE ESL program as she is an inspiration for all adult learners and second language learners in Milpitas. Brahim recalled a recent school-wide presentation where Liji addressed the community advocate and posed clear questions about issues affecting our schools and children.

“Immigrant integration thrives when individuals embrace their circumstances and actively engage in civic life,” Principal Brahim said. “Her curiosity and focus were evident, and I am confident that Liji will dedicate herself to building a sustainable future for herself and her loved ones.”

MUSD receives $2M grant to boost Career Technical Education pathways

Milpitas Adult Education’s Liji Zeng earns CalWORKS Achievement Award

Media Resources

Archives

Categories

Milpitas Unified School District
1331 E. Calaveras Blvd.
Milpitas, CA 95035
408.635.2600

MUSD receives $2M grant to boost Career Technical Education pathways

Milpitas Adult Education’s Liji Zeng earns CalWORKS Achievement Award

Media Resources

Archives

Categories

Milpitas Unified School District1331 E. Calaveras Blvd. Milpitas, CA 95035408.635.2600

Milpitas Unified School District
1331 E. Calaveras Blvd.
Milpitas, CA 95035
408.635.2600