FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: ANAKAREN UREÑO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
949-497-7700 EXT. 5232 | AURENO@LBUSD.ORG

LAGUNA COLLEGE OF ART + DESIGN
CONTACT: BASSEM GIRGIS
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING + COMMUNICATIONS
949-376-6000 EXT. 249 | BGIRGIS@LCAD.EDU

September 13, 2024

Laguna Beach Unified School District partners with Laguna College of Art + Design to expand student visual art opportunities

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. — The Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) today announced a formal partnership with Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD) aimed at expanding opportunities for high school students interested in art and design. Through this collaboration, students at Laguna Beach High School (LBHS) will benefit from enriched academic experiences, mentorship, and hands-on learning that will prepare them for higher education and future careers in creative industries.

"This partnership with LCAD formalizes and expands the collaboration we’ve shared over the years, creating new avenues for our students to engage with the rich artistic community in Laguna Beach,” said LBUSD Superintendent Jason Viloria, Ed.D. “Building strong community partnerships like this is essential to enhancing student experiences and ensuring they have access to real-world learning opportunities. We believe that when our schools and local institutions work together, it not only benefits our students but strengthens the entire community," he concluded. 

The new partnership includes a range of initiatives that bridge high school, college, and career readiness. LCAD students and faculty will work closely with LBHS students through classroom visits, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative design projects. Additionally, LBHS students will have the opportunity to tour LCAD facilities, attend guest speaker sessions, and participate in design competitions and industry forums hosted by LCAD. This partnership will also explore avenues for scholarship support and funding for students pursuing further education at LCAD.

"The collaboration between LBHS students, teachers, and the LCAD team creates a unique environment for innovative learning and creative exploration. This partnership not only enhances academic experiences but also builds essential soft skills that are critical for success in both college and career paths,” said LBHS Principal Jason Allemann, Ed.D. He continued, “I’m excited and grateful to President Brittan and the entire LCAD team for the incredible opportunities this will provide for our students."

One of the key components of the partnership is the alignment of the LBHS design curriculum with that of LCAD, when possible, ensuring that students are prepared for college-level coursework and beyond. LCAD faculty will collaborate with LBHS educators to share insights on design trends and best practices, fostering an ongoing dialogue between the two institutions.

"This relationship between Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD) and Laguna Beach High School marks a significant milestone in our commitment to strengthening the creative community of Laguna Beach,” said LCAD President and CEO Steve Brittan. “By fostering collaboration between our institutions, we aim to retain and nurture the local talent, ensuring that the artistic tradition of Laguna Beach continues to flourish. This partnership provides a crucial foundation for both high school and college students, paving the way for a vibrant future in art and design," he concluded.

As part of this ongoing initiative, the Laguna Beach community will be invited to engage with educators to participate in learning experiences that will culminate in various events and future exhibits showcasing the creative projects and designs produced through this collaboration. These events will offer the public an opportunity to witness firsthand the inspiring work of students and celebrate their artistic achievements.

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