EP101: Dr. Karen-Lyn Saysay, Los Angeles City College, Economic Development and Workforce Education – TV Matters
Today’s guest on the TV Matters Podcast is Dr. Karen-Lyn Saysay, Program Director for Economic Development and Workforce Education at Los Angeles City College, a community college in LA.
Karen is educated in everything “Los Angeles.” She grew up in Los Angeles, went to high school at an LAUSD school. She attended UCLA for undergrad, had a short stopover in NYC for her master’s degree, and earned a PHD from University of Southern California in Leadership in Urban Education.
I met Karen when she worked for LAUSD in the CTE office, that’s Career Technical Education, as the Incentive Grant Coordinator (CTEIG), and Work-based Learning coordinator. Below is a summary of our conversation on TV Matters.
Why Community College
For high school teachers, the pressure to guide students towards their ideal futures can feel immense. We navigate a variety of student talents, interests, and socioeconomic backgrounds, all while juggling curriculum demands and standardized testing pressures. In the entertainment industry’s increasingly competitive job market, how can we ensure our students are equipped not just with academic knowledge, but with the technical skills, connections, and pathways to meaningful careers?
Enter the often-overlooked gem: community colleges. In a recent podcast, Dr. Karen Lynn Saysay, program director for economic development and workforce education at Los Angeles City College, shed light on the crucial role these institutions play in high school career education. Her insights offer guidance and overlooked opportunities for students, and her work reminds us that the path to success in the entertainment industry isn’t a singular, four-year-university road, but a broader landscape filled with alternative routes and valuable detours.
Empowering Students through Early College Exposure:
One of Dr. Saysay’s key points is the power of early college experiences for high school students. In California, dual enrollment programs allow high schoolers to take college courses at community colleges for free, potentially earning college credit or industry relevant certificates before they graduate high school. This program isn’t just about getting ahead; it’s about exploration and empowerment.
Imagine, a budding student artist, hesitant about applying to a traditional Art College because they are expensive and do not guarantee work. By taking animation or graphic design courses at LA Community College for free, she can test her skills, gain industry-recognized credentials, and even build a portfolio while still in high school. Plus her college credits could enable her to graduate from art school earlier, saving tens of thousands of dollars in courses. This early exposure can solidify her passion, boost her confidence, and open doors to lucrative creative careers she might not have considered before.
Expanding the Career Horizon:
For many students, the pressure to pursue prestigious professions like medicine or law can be overwhelming and, frankly, unrealistic. Dr. Saysay urges us to broaden our perspective and showcase the diverse, fulfilling career paths available through community colleges. From welding and nursing to cybersecurity and culinary arts, community college offers entry into many fields that students simply don’t know about. She mentions that even entertainment studios have nurses, accountants, and other jobs not often associated with the industry.
By inviting guest speakers from various trade professions, organizing field trips to technical schools, and incorporating project-based learning that reflects real-world scenarios, teachers help students discover hidden talents and ignite passions they never knew existed. We’ve all had students who are struggling with traditional academics. When working on artistic projects, their hands-on learning styles thrive, confidence soars, and they see a clear path to a rewarding career in the entertainment industry, a skilled professional in high demand.
Building Bridges with Industry Partners:
The gap between entertainment education and the entertainment industry shouldn’t be a chasm – particularly in Los Angeles. Dr. Saysay emphasizes the importance of forging strong relationships with industry partners. Internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs offered through community colleges provide invaluable real-world experience, networking opportunities, and a glimpse into the skills and expectations employers value.
If you’re a teacher who doesn’t live in Los Angeles, collaborating with local businesses can ensure that our curriculum reflects current industry trends and equips students with the specific skills they need to hit the ground running on an entry level job. Imagine your students participating in a coding bootcamp hosted by a local software company. They gains practical programming skills, build their resumes with relevant projects, and make valuable connections that could land them dream jobs after graduation.
Community Colleges: More Than Just an Alternative:
While community colleges offer excellent academic alternatives for those who aren’t ready or financially able to pursue a four-year degree, Dr. Saysay reminds us that their value extends far beyond saving money. They are invaluable partners in our mission to prepare high school students for the future.
From offering career counseling and financial aid guidance to providing access to industry required technology and specialized training programs, community colleges equip students with the resources they need to navigate the complexities of today’s job market.
As educators, we can be powerful advocates for community colleges, dispelling any lingering misconceptions and highlighting the incredible opportunities community colleges offer. By working together, we can create a pathway for all of our students, ensuring they graduate not just with diplomas, but with industry skills, confidence, and connections to thrive in the ever-evolving entertainment workforce.
Remember, the future of our students isn’t confined to a single, predetermined path. By embracing the diverse landscape of educational options, including the invaluable resources offered by community colleges, we can empower students to build fulfilling careers and reach their full potential.
Our conversation with Karen on the TV Matters Podcast is a starting point, and I encourage you to explore the world of community colleges further within your city or town. Reach out to local institutions, connect with career counselors, and consider incorporating their resources into your own curriculum. Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to find their unique path to success.You can contact Dr. Karen-Lynn Saysay on LinkedIn.
