El Monte Union High School District officially broke ground on the modernization of the Rosemead Center Adult Education Complex on April 16, marking a significant investment in adult education for the western San Gabriel Valley. The Rosemead Center groundbreaking, celebration an $18 million project, funded by Measure HS, will add a two-story expansion, modern classrooms, upgraded infrastructure, and campuswide improvements. The project supports both the Adult Transition Program and the El Monte-Rosemead Adult School, expanding educational pathways for thousands of students annually. The revitalization underscores the district’s commitment to adult education expansion.

Adult Transition Program Welcomes New Students

The Adult Transition Program serves students ages 18 to 22, blending academic instruction with real-world skill development such as budgeting, food preparation, and employment readiness. This year, the program will, for the first time, welcome students who have earned high school diplomas at traditional campuses but wish to continue pursuing independent living and vocational goals.

“This project is the beginning of taking this program to another level,” said Leonard Martinez, El Monte Union director of special education. “Our staff have worked tirelessly to provide the best for our students, and now they’ll have a facility that reflects that care and commitment.”

Special Education Programs Administrator Winetta Belt Vargas highlighted the role of longstanding community support and partnerships, such as the WorkAbility grant, that have fueled ATP’s growth into the largest program of its kind in the San Gabriel Valley.

EMRAS Expands to Serve Over 10,000 Students

Just steps away, the El Monte-Rosemead Adult School continues to be a cornerstone for adult learners. EMRAS enrolls more than 10,000 students annually in programs including English language development, citizenship preparation, high school diploma completion, and vocational training. Courses are offered in both morning and evening sessions to meet the varied schedules of the community.

“I feel so privileged to be part of this program,” said EMRAS Acting Principal Dr. Deborah Kerr. “Our students come here with dreams and responsibilities, and they leave with skills, confidence, and new possibilities.”

The expanded facilities will directly support EMRAS’s mission of providing adult education expansion opportunities that equip learners with practical skills for personal and professional growth.

Community Leaders Celebrate Investment in Education

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together students, families, district leaders, and local dignitaries. Guests toured architectural renderings and received certificates of recognition, celebrating the shared vision for the future.

Brianna Salas, a student in the Adult Transition Program, attended the event with her mother, Silvia Salas, capturing the spirit of the day with smiles and shared hope. The event concluded with a community meal and conversations about the bright future ahead.

El Monte Union Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga described the project as more than a construction effort.

“When adults succeed, families thrive and communities grow stronger,” Zuniga said. “This project shows what’s possible when we invest in people and believe in their potential.”

Modernization Paves the Way for Stronger Families

The $18 million modernization of the Rosemead Center represents a major step forward in expanding opportunities for adult learners throughout the region. With programs like the Adult Transition Program and EMRAS preparing students for independent living, workforce entry, and academic achievement, El Monte Union is laying the foundation for stronger families and a more resilient community.

As construction moves forward, the district’s focus on adult education expansion will help meet the evolving needs of the San Gabriel Valley’s diverse and growing population.