Training Is Key to Schools Partnership

Organizers of the new Machine Tool Partnership Academy at Van Nuys High School do not hesitate to say that in addition to better paving the road to college, the magnet-style program’s main purpose is to land students jobs.

“It appeals to students who like to work with their hands, who like having a sense of accomplishment,” said Roberto Gutierrez, who helped develop the academy and who works with at-risk teenagers with the nonprofit New Directions for Youth. “But when I recruited people for the program, I definitely looked for people who liked the possibility of earning money and getting a job.”

The academy, which is concluding its second week, bridges Van Nuys High, Valley College and industrial companies in the San Fernando Valley. Students can earn college credit for some course work and establish ties with industry mentors, most of whom are looking for trained, skilled workers.

The 32 juniors enrolled in the academy work in the school’s metal shop and take weekly trips to professional metal shops. They also learn blueprint reading and take science, math and history courses with an industrial slant.

Officials have plans to expand the academy, which draws financial support from Valley College grant money. Beginning next year, students in all high school grades will be eligible, and academy officials hope that in future years it will function like a traditional magnet, drawing students from across Los Angeles.

For now, they say the impact on Van Nuys youth alone is ample reward.

“Most of these kids don’t have a clue what really goes on in industry,” said Van Nuys Assistant Principal Jack Molina. “We need to be exposing them to the opportunities out there.”

After spending part of a recent afternoon crafting a lathe bit from a piece of steel, junior Richard De Los Santos said the program already has changed his outlook.

“I was getting ready to join the Marines, but [Gutierrez] intercepted me,” he said with a shy smile.

“Most of us in here come from low-income families, so this is a good opportunity for us. They’ll pay for our books, tuition, everything. That’s what this is about for a lot of us--going to college.”