ROP Program offers free, vocational classes for students
by SHARON PHU
Regional Occupation Program (ROP) is offering free, vocational classes for students during the fall semester.
Sign-ups are taking place in Room B-7. Most classes will start Sept. 8-12, and students register on the first day their class begins. Enrollment is on a “first come, first serve” basis, and may be limited because of space. Seniors and juniors have priority, and adults are admitted on a space-available basis. Classes will run until Jan. 1.
Students who take an ROP class will receive marketable job skills training and hands on experience. “[Lifeguard] is a really great ROP class that will actually get you a job during the summer. I took it my sophomore year and I was able to find myself a life-guarding job the following summer and this summer. And it’s super fun,” said Qiming Yang, senior.
Students can also earn five or 10 elective credits as well as a certificate of completion through the Los Angeles County Office of Education. According to Javier Ortiz, ROP Senior Office Assistant, certain classes have off-campus internships during which students are able to complete their 10 credits. Internship locations vary depending on the class.
Classes offered at Schurr this semester include Automotive Technology, Business Office Technology, Computer Graphics Design, Electronics Technology, Engineering Technology, Financial Services, Professional Dance and Recreation Occupations.
In addition, students can take courses at the Applied Technology Center, Bell Gardens and Montebello High School. Culinary Arts, Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor Occupations and Retail Sails Marketing, among other courses, are offered.
“I’ve never been completely sure what it is that I wanted to major in or what I’d like a career in for that matter. However now thanks to the Dance Team, I know that I would love a career in the performing arts, especially if it’s related to dance,” said Perla Valencia, senior.