ProudToBeLBUSD Podcast

Kate Shaner, a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Burns Engineering, speaks with Jules Rodriguez, teacher of 8th-grade Accelerated Science at Nelson Academy. They discuss Kate's journey to her engineering career, the difficulties she faced, and advice for students considering the same career path.

Wilson senior Juliya and Renaissance senior Anya share their experiences and advice for incoming seniors as they wrap up their LBUSD careers and take the next steps in their educational journey.

Christina Cendejas, Volunteer Services Manager at MemorialCare, and Alison McCloskey, Epilepsy and Neurodiagnostic Services Program Manager and LBUSD Program Facilitator, discuss the partnership between MemorialCare and the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD). The partnership centers on a specialized Healthcare Pathway Simulation Program that offers high school students hands-on training an...

Kevin Lee, Chief of Communications for the City of Long Beach, discusses his educational journey that has culminated in his current position. He also elaborates on the communications field as a career choice and the flexibility a degree offers to individuals pursuing that path.

Rebecca DeLuna is a music teacher at Hoover Middle School. She is also a violist with Mariachi Divas. DeLuna joined an elite group of musicians performing alongside global artist Bad Bunny at the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show, bringing her artistry to one of the world's most-watched events. But back at Hoover, the moment quickly became something more meaningful: a source of pride, connection, and...

Haley, a senior at Wilson High School, talks about the Best Buddies program. Best Buddies is a program designed to foster one-to-one friendships between individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Best Buddies friendship program helps break through social barriers at an important time in a young person’s life.

Lindsey Phillips-Flores, acting Public Information Officer for the Long Beach Airport, discusses Careers Taking Flight. This weeklong externship, conducted in partnership with the Long Beach Unified School District, is offered by Long Beach Airport and provides a 40-hour immersive experience. Students enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, career panels, and interactive sessions with airport tenants, avia...

Millikan High School senior Nathan shares his experience in the Software, Engineering & Gaming Academy (SEGA) Pathway. SEGA offers students a rigorous and supportive sequence of traditional academic and game design/development courses, fostering curiosity, creativity, and empathy, both independently and as part of a team, to positively impact the wider community.

Sato Academy of Mathematics and Science student Sairi discusses STEM Blossom. STEM Blossom is dedicated to shining a light on young girls in STEM and supporting them as they bloom into various careers in STEM.

Senioritis is a term for the common lack of motivation and focus among final-year students (seniors) as they approach graduation. Renaissance High School senior Anya and Wilson High School senior Juliya discuss whether senioritis affects them and how they are coping with it.

Chimnazaekpere Nwala, a senior at Ernest McBride High School, serves as the newest Student Board Member for the Long Beach Unified School District. She discusses why she became interested in becoming a Student Board Member, the application process, and what she hopes to accomplish.

Lauryn Debyah, a former McBride student now studying Pre-Civil Engineering at CSULB, shares insights about her experience with the ACE Mentor Program. The ACE Mentor Program is a no-cost after-school program that prioritizes workforce development for high school students by connecting them with experts from the design and construction industry.

Superintendent Jill Baker, Ed. D., speaks with students Precious from Jordan High School and Teodor from Poly High School. They discuss their experiences in the Superintendent's Student Advisory Committee, Raising Student Voices and Participation (RSVP). The purpose of RSVP is: Elevate student voice and student experience to inform school and district decision-making (Core Values).Provide a st...

Jules Rodriguez, an 8th-grade Accelerated Science teacher and instructor of the multi-grade-level course Project Lead the Way at Nelson Academy, joins us to discuss her recent recognition as LBUSD’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. She shares her educational journey, highlighting how her past experiences have influenced her development into the dedicated educator she is today.

Long Beach City Prosecutor Doug Haubert shares his journey to becoming a city prosecutor, detailing the experiences and motivations that shaped his career. He highlights how his office and staff work with LBUSD to support district schools and related pathways. Additionally, he offers his advice for students interested in pursuing a career in law.

McBride Senior Chimnazaekpere and Browning Senior Kylee engage in an insightful conversation with Jarvis R. Givens, professor of Education & African and African American Studies at Harvard University. They explore the significance of researching, understanding, and teaching Black history to students in the Long Beach community and beyond, emphasizing the transformative power of knowledge and c...

Cabrillo High School SACMAA (Specialized Academy of Computer Media, Arts & Animation) pathway counselor Joel Lovelace discusses the innovative approach to student engagement by incorporating music into teaching practices. He explains how this creative method helps capture students' attention and foster a more interactive learning environment.

Laurel Kruke, LBUSD's Energy & Sustainability Manager, discusses efforts to reduce the district's climate impacts and promote environmental stewardship to ensure a bright future for students and communities.

Maria Alvarez is the Program Director at Operation Jump Start. In this episode, Maria discusses Operation Jump Start's mission to help low-resourced, high-potential first-generation students get in, stay in, and graduate from a four-year college.

Millikan High School senior Marissa shares her insightful experiences navigating both Advanced Placement (AP) classes and Dual Enrollment programs. She highlights the unique benefits each option provides, such as enhanced college readiness and flexible learning choices, while also addressing some challenges students might encounter, like increased workload and scheduling conflicts.

Clementine Causse is a current student at the University of California, Berkeley, and joins the podcast to share her experiences and highlight the importance of student advocacy. She led her school's first proposal focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate education, and founded a human rights podcast that amplifies youth voices on both local and global issues.

Michelle, a two-year student intern and current college aide in the LBUSD Communications and Media Services Department, shares her experiences. She highlights the valuable skills and insights she has gained and emphasizes the many benefits student internships can provide for future career growth.

This episode gives an in-depth look at robotics at Sato Academy of Math & Science. Team members explore what robotics involves, FIRST Robotics Competition, and share insights on how students can get involved.

Wilson High School senior Juliya discusses the significance of actively participating in school activities and clubs. She highlights how getting involved can enrich students' personal growth, foster meaningful social connections, and build valuable skills that benefit them in future career endeavors.

Andres E. Carmona Saiz, a College Advisor at California State University, Long Beach, discusses the numerous benefits of pursuing higher education at CSULB. He emphasizes the unique advantages of choosing to study locally, highlighting how attending a nearby university can enrich the college experience and foster a strong sense of community during one's academic journey.