{"id":287946,"date":"2026-04-27T10:53:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T10:53:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/287946\/"},"modified":"2026-04-27T10:53:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T10:53:09","slug":"oc-pathways-student-ambassador-brings-career-education-voice-to-sacramento-ocde-newsroom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/287946\/","title":{"rendered":"OC Pathways student ambassador brings career education voice to Sacramento \u2013 OCDE Newsroom"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\"CoastlineCoastline ROP Superintendent Brian Dozer, left, stands with Laguna Hills High School student Reece Ayala, Estancia High School student Rosselyn Ruiz and Coastline ROP Educational Services Administrator Gina Escobar on the steps of the California State Capitol in Sacramento. (Photos courtesy of Coastline ROP)\"CoastlineCoastline ROP Superintendent Dr. Brian Dozer, left, Laguna Hills High student Reece Ayala, Estancia High student Rosselyn Ruiz and Coastline ROP Educational Services Administrator Gina Escobar meet with legislative staff in Sen. Tony Strickland\u2019s office during a visit to the State Capitol in Sacramento. (Photos courtesy of Coastline ROP)\"LagunaLaguna Hills High School student Reece Ayala, left, and Estancia High School student Rosselyn Ruiz observe proceedings from the gallery inside the California State Capitol during Coastline ROP\u2019s Legislative Action Day in Sacramento. (Photos courtesy of Coastline ROP)<\/p>\n

Quick look: An OC Pathways student ambassador, joined Coastline ROP staff in Sacramento to speak with state legislators about the value of career technical educator, highlighting how hands-on learning and regional partnerships are helping students prepare for college, careers and civic engagement. <\/p>\n

When Rosselyn Ruiz stepped into legislative offices in Sacramento earlier this spring, she didn\u2019t bring a prepared speech. <\/p>\n

Instead, the Estancia High School senior spoke from experience \u2014\u00a0sharing how her construction pathway, leadership roles and involvement with OC Pathways have shaped her goals and confidence as a student. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was empowering to use my voice in a way that could make a difference,\u201d Ruiz said. \u201cI was able to share what these programs mean to me and why they\u2019re important for other students.\u201d <\/p>\n

OC Pathways<\/a>, a program of the Orange County Department of Education, connects students to career technical opportunities through partnerships with school districts, colleges and industry, helping them explore career pathways and build real-world skills.<\/p>\n

Rosselyn was one of two students invited by Coastline Regional Occupational Program<\/a> to participate in the organization\u2019s annual Legislative Action Day<\/a>, held March 9\u201310 \u2014 where the group met with seven legislators and their staff to advocate for continued support of career technical education, or CTE, and share firsthand perspectives on how career pathways programs are shaping student experiences.<\/p>\n

From classroom to Capitol<\/p>\n

Rosselyn, a Newport-Mesa Unified School District student, has been enrolled in the Building Industry Technology Academy<\/a> at Estancia High since her freshman year and said her pathway has expanded her understanding of both the construction industry and her own interests.<\/p>\n

\"CoastlineCoastline ROP Superintendent Dr. Brian Dozer, second from right, Laguna Hills High student Reece Ayala, left, and Estancia High student Rosselyn Ruiz, center right, meet with Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, center, and Coastline ROP Educational Services Administrator Gina Escobar during a visit to the State Capitol in Sacramento.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not just about construction,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s about professionalism, communication and learning how to connect with people in the industry.\u201d <\/p>\n

Through her involvement in career education programs, the high school senior discovered an interest in public service and now plans to pursue political science, beginning at a community college after graduation.<\/p>\n

The Sacramento trip gave her a firsthand look at a future in public service.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt made me feel even stronger about what I want to do,\u201d she said. \u201cBeing able to talk to legislators and see how they work made me realize that this is something I want to keep pursuing.\u201d <\/p>\n

Coastline ROP Superintendent Dr. Brian Dozer said the annual visit is designed to elevate student voice while helping policymakers understand the impact of CTE programs. <\/p>\n

\u201cTheir stories carry a greater weight than just us talking about the program,\u201d Dozer said. \u201cWhen students share how these experiences have shaped them, it helps humanize the decisions being made.\u201d<\/p>\n

Building confidence through OC Pathways<\/p>\n

Rosselyn\u2019s journey also includes her role as an OC Pathways student ambassador<\/a>, where she has represented her school and connected with peers across Orange County. <\/p>\n

She said the program has opened doors to new experiences, allowing her to participate in student panels and engage more actively in her community.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think I would be able to communicate with people the way I do now without OC Pathways,\u201d the high school senior said. \u201cIt\u2019s helped me grow and get more involved.\u201d <\/p>\n

Crystal Meyer, who supports the OC Pathways student ambassador program, said experiences like Rosselyn\u2019s reflect the broader goal of connecting students to real-world opportunities.<\/p>\n

\u201cRosselyn is living proof that when we bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world, students don\u2019t just gain skills; they find their voice,\u201d Meyer said. <\/p>\n

A regional partnership supporting students<\/p>\n

The Sacramento trip also highlights the ongoing collaboration between OC Pathways and Coastline ROP. <\/p>\n

OC Pathways works with school districts, colleges and industry partners across the county to expand access to career education opportunities, while Coastline ROP provides hands-on instruction and workforce-aligned pathways for students in multiple districts.<\/p>\n

\u201cTogether, we\u2019re able to open doors for students that wouldn\u2019t exist otherwise,\u201d said Kathy Boyd, executive director of Career Education and Workforce Development<\/a> at OCDE. <\/p>\n

Through this partnership, students gain access to experiences that extend beyond the classroom \u2014\u00a0from internships and certifications to leadership and advocacy opportunities. <\/p>\n

For Rosselyn, those opportunities have helped shape both her present and her future.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never thought I would be the person I am today,\u201d she said. \u201cNow I feel like I can do whatever I set my mind to.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Orange County Department of Education is currently accepting applications for the 2026\u201327 OC Pathways Student Ambassador Program, with the application window open through May 22. Open to students in grades seven through 12 enrolled in career technical education pathways, the program offers leadership development, industry mentorship and opportunities to complete real-world projects. Students can apply through the OC Pathways webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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