Community Partners of Antelope Valley Academy
The COPA AV Academy provides education and experiences that prepare youth and adults for success in work, life, and community.
Our hands-on courses combine professional skills, financial literacy, and civic awareness connecting residents with mentors, local employers, and real-world opportunities across the Antelope Valley.
Life Skills for the 21st Century Courses
Foundational courses that build essential life skills, emotional intelligence, and financial literacy for personal and professional success.
Youth Life Skills Course
Empowering students with mindset, emotional, and digital intelligence for the future, ages 10-20
Highlights:
Guest Speakers: Motivational speakers, entrepreneurs, and educators.
Interactive Activities: Student-led projects, mentorship intros, and creative challenges.
Equips the next generation of Antelope Valley leaders with confidence, discipline, and direction.
Topics Covered:
Building emotional intelligence, strong minds and healthy relationships
Goal setting and self-leadership
Financial basics and money management
Digital citizenship and responsible tech use
Community pride and teamwork
The next course will be held in January 2026. To learn more click the link below to receive sign up information:
Career & Life Skills Course
Workforce readiness and professional growth, ages 16+
Highlights:
Guest Speakers: Local HR professionals, business owners, Palmdale City staff, and Antelope Valley College representatives.
Career Day Exhibitors: Local business HR reps & entrepreneurs.
Prepares participants for employment and continuing education while building their local professional network.
Topics Covered:
Resume writing & mock interviews
Professional communication & workplace etiquette
Digital literacy with a focus on AI and LinkedIn
Personal branding & networking
Job search strategy and local opportunities
The next course will be held in February 2026. To learn more click the link below to receive sign up information:
Financial Literacy Course
Foundations for lifelong financial confidence
Highlights:
Guest Speakers: Financial advisors, tax preparers, insurance professionals, and bankers.
Special Opportunity: Each participant receives a complimentary financial plan and optional follow-up with local financial professionals.
Helps participants take control of their finances and plan for a secure future.
Topics Covered:
Budgeting, saving, and goal planning
Understanding credit and debt
Banking and responsible borrowing
Introduction to investing and retirement
Taxes, insurance, and consumer awareness
The next course will be held in January 2026. To learn more click the link below to receive sign up information:
AI Upskilling for Professional and Personal Success
Building practical AI skills for work, school, and everyday life. Ideal for students, job seekers, and working adults, ages 16+
Highlights:
Guest speakers: AI experts and industry professionals who may offering internship, mentorship, and growth opportunities to engaged participants
Special Opportunity: Taught by the founding team of an AI platform
Prepares participants for a future where AI skills will dictate success or failure.
Topics Covered:
What AI is (and isn't) and how it's changing today's jobs
Effective AI prompting for research, writing, and problem-solving
Using AI to improve resumes and presentations
Strengthening critical thinking: fact-checking, bias, and "second-brain" habits
Everyday AI: planning, budgeting, learning new skills, and organizing life
The next course will be held in February 2026. To learn more click the link below to receive sign up information:
Career and Workforce Readiness Courses
Specialized career pathway programs that prepare participants for specific industries and professional opportunities.
Tech Careers Readiness Academy: Pathways into Software, IT & AI
Pathways into software, IT, and AI careers for ages 16+, no prior coding experience required.
Highlights:
Employer Panel: IT & software employers, remote-friendly tech companies, community college representatives
Capstone Projects: Students present web pages, IT troubleshooting scripts, or AI-assisted mini-projects
Each participant receives a Certificate of Completion and builds a starter portfolio with GitHub profile and simple project.
Topics Covered:
Realistic map of tech career paths (software dev, IT support, data, AI/ML roles, product/UX)
Hands-on exposure to basic coding and AI tools
Professional skills (LinkedIn, resumes, interviewing, workplace norms)
Digital foundations and AI literacy
Web development basics and IT support pathways
Prepares participants for entry-level tech careers and connects them to Google Career Certificates, bootcamps, and local opportunities.
The next course will be held in Spring 2026. To learn more click the link below to receive sign up information:
Finance Careers Readiness Academy: Pathways into Investing, Advisory, Insurance & Tax
Pathways into financial services careers for ages 16+, no prior finance background required.
Highlights:
Career Panel: CFP professionals, CFA/investment managers, Enrolled Agents, insurance advisors
Capstone Projects: Students create financial plans, asset allocation recommendations, or tax intake processes
Each participant receives a Certificate of Completion and builds a professional portfolio with a resume tailored for finance roles.
Topics Covered:
Clear map of finance career paths (financial advisor, investment management, insurance, tax preparation)
Foundational financial literacy and investment basics
Professional skills for finance (ethics, confidentiality, client communication)
Licensing and credential overview (CFP, CFA, EA, Series licenses)
Real-world finance operations and client service skills
Prepares participants for entry-level careers in financial services and connects them to local firms, internships, and licensing pathways.
The next course will be held in Spring 2026. To learn more click the link below to receive sign up information:
Flexible Program Models
Every COPA AV course can be delivered in different formats; so schools, churches, community groups, and city partners can choose what best fits their schedule, capacity, and participant needs.
1-Day Seminar
A focused, high-energy workshop that introduces key concepts in a single intensive day. Perfect for community events, school in-service days, or quick exposure to a new topic.
1-Month Course
Four weekly sessions that go beyond the basics. Participants get time to practice skills, ask questions, and receive light mentoring while still keeping the commitment short and manageable.
A 12-week deep dive designed for lasting impact. Learners build skills week by week, complete a capstone activity, and earn a COPA AV Certificate of Completion and community recognition.
3-Month Certificate Track
Support
Donate or partner with COPA AV
Help us expand programs, reach more residents, and multiply our impact throughout the Antelope Valley community.
Financial contributions of any size welcome
Corporate partnership opportunities
In-kind donations and resource sharing
Mentorship and expertise sharing
“The end of all education should surely be service to others.”
— César Chávez