LADERA HEIGHTS : 46 Graduate From Training Center

Forty-six students recently graduated from Ladera Career Paths Training Center, which was founded in the aftermath of last year’s riots.

“This graduation is a symbol of hope for the minority and low-income members of our community,” said Anna Little, the center’s founder and president. “We can break the cycle of disadvantage.”

The nonprofit center, at 6820 La Tijera Blvd., offers training in several areas of health administration, including examining health claims, medical billing and medical records coding. The school has had three graduating classes--the most recent in November--and is the educational component of the 5-year-old Ladera Career Paths personnel and placement service.

Graduates have been placed in full- and part-time positions in hospitals and convalescent homes through the center’s personnel services division, Little said. Some have upgraded their skills and others are starting their own businesses, she said.

“It’s been great, excellent,” said Rose Rosas, 27, a Westside resident who completed the 14-week medical terminology course and is studying medical records coding.

“I had thought about going into nursing, but this gives me a lot of options. Eventually I can work from home, billing doctors. It’s important to have skills like this to back you up.”

Although class fees average about $500, many low-income stu-dents can qualify to have their tuition funded by federal programs, including the Greater Avenues Independence program and the Jobs Training Partnership Act.

Director of Operations Karen Brown said a majority of the center’s 56 students, as well as most of its recent graduates, receive some form of financial aid. “This is a positive investment of tax dollars,” Brown said. “It’s a win-win opportunity for our community.”

Information: (310) 568-0244.