California Partnership Academies

The Academy Model

The Partnership Academy Model is a program structured as a school-within-a-school. Academies incorporate many features including creating a close family-like atmosphere, integrating academic and career technical education (CTE) courses, and establishing viable business partnerships. Emphasis is also placed on student achievement and positive post-secondary outcomes.

Academies have positive impact on students’ academic performance. Key components of the Academy model are:

  • CURRICULUM focused on a career theme and coordinated with related academic classes.
  • VOLUNTARY student selection process that identifies interested ninth graders.
  • TEAM OF TEACHERS who work together to plan and implement the program.
  • MOTIVATIONAL ACTIVITIES with private sector involvement to encourage academic and occupational preparation, such as: integrated and project-based curriculum, mentor program, classroom speakers, field trips, and exploration of postsecondary and career options.
  • WORKPLACE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES such as job shadowing, student internships, and work experience.

Sweetwater Union High School District Offers the following California Partnership Academies:


Brahim Wahib
Director – Collge and Career Readiness
Phone: (619) 796-7700
Email:Brahim.Wahib@sweetwaterschools.org


Antonio Gutierrez
Program Manager – Career Technical Education (CTE)
Phone: (619) 796-7707
Email: Antonio.GutierrezJr@sweetwaterschools.org


Dr. Melanie Brown
STEAM Program Coordinator
Phone: (619) 796-7700
Email: Melanie.Brown@sweetwaterschools.org


Janette Gomez-LaMadrid
Teacher on Special Assignment
Phone: (619) 796-7742
Email: Janette.Gomez-Lamadrid@sweetwaterschools.org


Norma Martin
Senior Administrative Assistant
Phone: (619) 796-7702
Email: Norma.Martin@sweetwaterschools.org


Jerrold Espino
Administrative Assistant
Phone: (619) 796-7747
Email: Jerrold.Espino@sweetwaterschools.org