This article is adapted from the UCLAx Magazine fall 2024 issue.
Here are a few updates from our departments from the last six months:
Pathway teams up with ASUCLA
UCLA Extension’s Pathway Program, which offers a blend of educational, social and vocational experiences for neurodiverse students, added ASUCLA as its latest internship partner. A first cohort of Pathway students started internships with the organization in September, getting firsthand experience working at campus coffee shops, bookstores, dining halls and more.
UCLAxFilmFest moves downtown
The 8th annual UCLAxFilmFest lit up downtown with a screening of 19 short films directed, written or produced by UCLA Extension students and alumni. Held at the historic Los Angeles Theatre, the event welcomed more than 600 attendees and awarded prizes to projects in a variety of categories including Best Film, Best Director and Audience Choice Award.
An antidote for writer’s block
The UCLA Extension’s Writers’ Program launched a low-cost course option this fall aimed at helping writers keep their projects on track. Held over 10 weeks, these “accountability groups” give students a forum to describe progress and struggles with their work, receiving encouragement from a seasoned instructor and support from their classmates. The program starts at less than $100, and includes options focused on screenwriting and creative writing.
Building a better (and greener) Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Board of Public Works honored UCLA Extension’s Landscape Architecture Program for its outstanding contributions to urban life in a ceremony at City Hall to mark World Landscape Architecture Month. Program Director Stephanie Landregan and her team were on hand as city officials recognized the program for helping to build careers that “enhance public and environmental health through sustainable spaces.”
Expanding early childhood education
UCLA Extension’s Early Childhood Education Program launched a new residency program to help students meet California’s teaching credential requirements for children in pre-school through grade three. The program provides a $24,000 scholarship for 20 Los Angeles area students. Funding was provided by the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing to six institutions: UC Berkeley, UC Merced, UCLA, LACOE, UCMoE and SFUSD.
Extension students get their wings
Antelope Valley College will soon allow academic credits from UCLA Extension’s Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Program to count toward a bachelor’s degree in airframe manufacturing technology. The agreement will support students enrolled in UCLA Extension’s custom program for employees at Northrup Grumman’s manufacturing facility in Palmdale, California, helping them enhance their skills and advance in their careers.
