Cisneros visits West Covina High School to spotlight AFJROTC and AI plans

By AI, Created 8:01 PM UTC, June 02, 2026, /AGP/ – U.S. Rep. Gil Cisneros visited West Covina High School on June 2 to see the district’s award-winning Air Force Junior ROTC program and its push to expand artificial intelligence across classrooms and operations. The visit also highlighted career training pathways meant to prepare students for jobs in a changing economy.

Why it matters: - West Covina Unified is using the visit to show how it is preparing students for college, careers, military service and life. - The district is pairing a nationally recognized leadership program with plans for AI integration and workforce training. - The mix is meant to keep students competitive as automation and emerging technologies reshape education and employment.

What happened: - U.S. Rep. Gil Cisneros, who represents California’s 31st Congressional District, visited West Covina High School on June 2, 2026. - West Covina Unified School District hosted the visit for students, educators, district leaders and community members. - The event featured the school’s Air Force Junior ROTC unit, district AI plans and Career Technical Education programs. - The district also highlighted West Covina High School’s Advanced Culinary Arts students, who prepared breakfast pastries for guests.

The details: - AFJROTC cadets presented the colors and performed a precision drill demonstration. - Captain Acuna Perez and Master Sergeant Caro Ugarte briefed Cisneros on the unit’s mission, community service and leadership development. - The AFJROTC unit was named among the top 20 percent of 812 AFJROTC programs worldwide earlier this year. - Superintendent Dr. Emy Flores said AFJROTC builds leadership, confidence, responsibility and service. - WCUSD outlined a districtwide AI strategy covering operational systems, classroom instruction and student learning experiences. - The AI plan includes professional development for teachers and staff, AI literacy opportunities for students and parent workshops. - District leaders also discussed expanding Career Technical Education pathways. - Proposed pathways include Welding, Electrical Technology, HVAC, Plumbing and Industrial Maintenance Technology. - Instructor Ms. Lidia Feliz led the Advanced Culinary Arts students who served the guests. - West Covina High School Principal Dr. Charles Park hosted the event.

Between the lines: - The district is trying to connect three priorities at once: leadership development, technology readiness and hands-on career training. - The visit also signals an effort to build support among families, local leaders and elected officials for long-term district initiatives. - By showcasing both military-style discipline and AI planning, WCUSD is framing its schools as a pipeline for multiple postgraduation paths.

What’s next: - WCUSD plans to keep expanding AI training for students, staff and families. - The district is also moving forward with plans for additional career pathways tied to local workforce demand. - West Covina Unified said continued partnerships with families, community leaders and elected officials will support those efforts.

The bottom line: - Cisneros’ visit gave West Covina Unified a public stage to show off a standout cadet program and a broader strategy to prepare students for a fast-changing future.