The EMRAS Class of 2025 honored more than 100 students from El Monte-Rosemead Adult School (EMRAS) earned their high school diplomas during a commencement ceremony held at Rosemead High School, marking a major milestone in their educational journeys and highlighting the critical role EMRAS plays in expanding access to lifelong learning.

Graduation Honors Student Dedication
The Class of 2025 was celebrated by family members, teachers, and district officials for their resilience and hard work. Many graduates balanced jobs, family responsibilities, and personal challenges while completing their studies. For some, this diploma represents a second chance; for others, it is a stepping stone toward higher education or vocational certification.

EMRAS Acting Principal Dr. Deborah Kerr commended the graduates for their perseverance. “These students leave us with new skills, greater confidence, and the ability to create new possibilities for their futures,” Kerr said during the ceremony. The event also included moments of recognition for standout student efforts, as well as messages of encouragement from faculty and staff.

Legacy of EMRAS in the Community
Founded in 1932, EMRAS is one of California’s longest-running and most comprehensive adult education programs. It serves the communities of El Monte, South El Monte, and Rosemead through a central campus on Ramona Boulevard and satellite locations, including Rosemead High School. The school is a division of the El Monte Union High School District and enrolls more than 12,000 students annually.

EMRAS offers a range of programs including high school diploma completion, GED preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL), citizenship, parenting classes, career technical education (CTE), and workforce readiness. Instruction is provided in the morning, evening, and online to accommodate the varied schedules of adult learners.

Pathways to Careers and Higher Education
EMRAS students not only earn diplomas but also gain skills for the job market. Career technical programs at the school include electrician certification, business, certified nursing assistant (CNA), and manufacturing. The school’s electrician training program is state-approved and recognized by the California Department of Industrial Relations and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

The school also serves as a Pearson VUE testing site and partners with local employers to host job fairs, on-campus interviews, and training sessions. Partnerships with companies such as Chipotle and Goodwill offer career opportunities for students upon completion of programs.

For graduates, the next steps may include community college, trade apprenticeships, or immediate entry into the workforce. The diploma opens doors that were previously closed and provides the foundation for long-term financial stability.

Investing in the Future of Adult Education
EMRAS continues to expand. With funding from Measure HS, a new $18 million Rosemead Center is under construction. The facility will add classrooms, upgraded labs, and expanded resources for both adult learners and the Adult Transition Program.

As a member of the Rio Hondo Region Adult Education Consortium, EMRAS also benefits from regional support, shared best practices, and teacher training aimed at improving adult education outcomes across the San Gabriel Valley.

A Commencement and a Beginning
The Class of 2025 leaves with more than a certificate—they leave with renewed confidence, practical skills, and a pathway forward. Their success highlights the essential role of adult schools like EMRAS in helping individuals reach their goals and strengthen the broader community.

The EMRAS Class of 2025 leaves behind a legacy of determination and forward momentum. Their achievements reflect the school’s ongoing mission to support personal growth, economic mobility, and community enrichment through education. As these graduates take their next steps—whether in college, career, or service—they carry with them the skills and confidence nurtured at EMRAS.

For more information about programs and enrollment, visit the El Monte-Rosemead Adult School website.