OFY Blog

At OFY, we know that no two students learn exactly the same way. That’s why we’re excited to help you own your different learning style to embrace what makes you, you.

At Options for Youth (OFY) Acton and Duarte charter schools, we’re proud to be Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Exclusive Partners.

Jose Gonzalez (front) holding his many certificates of award at the Unsung Heroes Breakfast, an event which honors local residents going above and beyond in the West Covina community.

West Covina, California (June 5th, 2025) - Options For Youth (OFY) Public Charter Schools are known for a unique approach to high school programming, bringing teachers and students closer together to address academic gaps and social-emotional needs. Not everyone knows, however, that OFY has a vast team of support staff who also work diligently to make students’ dreams a reality. From single-subject tutors to School Psychologists, OFY ensures wrap-around support for students who are brave and resilient enough to try an alternative path to graduation.

Since the 1990s, a staple question for new enrollees at OFY is “What’s your dream?” Nothing interests Jose Gonzalez, a Career Pathways Coordinator at the OFY West Covina campus, more than this question. In his role, Gonzalez partners with students to help them declare a career path and, from there, a complementary educational plan.

As a Workforce Innovation school, OFY offers a variety of ways for Gonzalez and his students to engage in short and long-term career planning. He helps them select trade or career courses from the OFY catalog, enroll in certification programs, search for internship opportunities, and plan which schools to apply to after graduation. Students are also free to schedule time with Gonzalez for help with the job search process, including preparing applications, cover letters, references, and thank you letters.

For those students undecided about their future direction, Gonzalez makes it his mission to help them figure it out. Getting through to them isn’t always easy, but the payoff, he believes, is worth it. He loves chatting up students about sports in particular, having played both football and soccer in high school and studying Kinesiology at Cal State Dominguez Hills, his alma mater. According to his colleagues, Gonzalez’s warmth and engagement helps bring kids out of the shell enough to embrace taking ownership of their educational and life plans, managing their time wisely, and following through on personal commitments.

Keeping kids in school and focused on a future plan benefits families, but also local communities at large. Many studies have shown that greater educational attainment equates to increased earnings, as well as lower risk of unemployment, depression, and early death.

For his contribution to the West Covina community, Gonzalez was honored by the Greater West Covina (GWC) Business Association during their annual “Unsung Heroes” Breakfast event which took place on May 15, 2025. The sold out event was hosted by Sabino Kitchen and attended by colleagues, GWC members, and esteemed guests, including West Covina Councilmember Ollie Cantos, who delivered an inspiring keynote speech regarding the event’s theme: “The Power of Quiet Leadership.”

From a number of nominees, Gonzalez was identified as one of six award recipients, each one embodying the year’s theme. The other honorees included Graig Gott, Desiree Rodriguez, Valentin Martinez, Dr. Juan Pablo Pesqueira, and Erin Shiroma.

Several West Covina campus staff members attended the event to support Gonzalez, who was genuinely surprised and deeply honored. One of the most touching moments was a video from Janice Nini, Assistant Principal, sharing why Gonzalez truly exemplifies what it means to be an “Unsung Hero.”

“Jose is always willing to help out the students with things outside the scope of his duties. Whether it's subbing a desk for a day or an hour he is always willing to help out. Jose handles both student and parent concerns that may not be related to his specific job title,” said a colleague. 

During the morning's ceremony, Gonzalez received certificates of recognition from the offices of Assemblywoman Blanca E. Rubio, Congressman Gil Cisneros, District 22 Senator Susan Rubio, and the City of West Covina. Gonzalez was also presented with several generous gifts, including See’s Candies, a Nothing Bundt Cakes treat, a Chick-fil-A basket, and a gift card to Massage Envy.

 

Choosing a different path isn’t always easy—but it’s often the most empowering move you can make.

As spring rolls in, so does a mix of sunshine and... stress. If you're feeling burnt out, distracted, or just plain tired—you're not alone. Many students hit a wall this time of year. But here's the good news: it's not too late to reset.

Whether you're falling behind in classes, losing interest, or just need a fresh burst of motivation, spring is the perfect time to re-engage and reclaim your focus.

At Options For Youth (OFY), we believe students thrive when learning connects to their interests and future goals. That’s why we offer Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways—designed to give students the practical skills, hands-on experience, and confidence they need to succeed after high school.

Exploring California’s First and Most Trusted Charter School—Options For Youth

Deciding on the best learning format for your high school experience is an important step toward your success. At Options For Youth (OFY), we offer flexible programs designed to meet your individual learning style and needs. Whether you're looking for a 100% online experience or a more in-person approach, we have an option that fits you. But how do you decide which is right for you? Let’s break it down.

Did you know that nearly 40% of high school students don’t finish their education (John Hopkins)? That’s a staggering number, and it’s a problem that affects not just the students, but entire communities. High school completion is often seen as a necessary step for a bright future, but for many teens, it can feel out of reach. Let’s take a closer look at why so many students are unable to graduate and what we can do to help them succeed.

Finding the right school can be a big decision, but at Options For Youth (OFY), we make the enrollment process simple and stress-free. Whether you're a student looking for a flexible way to earn your diploma or a parent searching for the right fit for your child, OFY provides the support and structure needed to succeed.