At the lab at PCC (Photo – Tonita Fernandez)
These students represent our future: diverse, bright young minds pursuing higher education.
By Scott Phelps
They are students at Pasadena Unified School District’s Center for Independent Study (CIS) taking courses at Pasadena City College (PCC)’s main campus, a great opportunity for them to experience college level classes and pursue their interests.
Tom Haas
The youngest student is Tom Haas. Tom is 12 years old, an 8th grader at CIS and has been at CIS since February of 2024. Tom’s mentor teacher assigned him to PCC STEM Saturdays in Spring 2024. Tom currently is taking Geology–History of Life, Calculus 2, Coding and Laser Tech at PCC. He also is taking expository writing and philosophy courses through the Stanford Online High School, and Physics and PE at CIS. Last fall and winter at PCC, he took Calculus 1, Biology and Statistics.
Tom commented, “I really like going to PCC and having classes in person. It’s so much better than being online because I get to work with the professors and do hands-on projects. The only thing that would make it better is having more kids my age in the class, I’d like to share the experience and maybe make more friends who are learning at the same level.” Tom’s goal is to attend Caltech.
His parents, Birgit and Scott Haas, said “Watching Tom, at just 12 years old, take classes like Calculus II and Laser Technology at PCC, has been both inspiring and humbling for us as parents. We feel incredibly grateful to live in Pasadena, where his CIS mentor and professors—one of whom also works at JPL—have created such an encouraging and challenging environment for him. It’s made us think a lot about how many other kids could really thrive if schools focused more on where they are academically, rather than how old they are. Tom’s journey has shown us what’s possible when a community believes in young learners and gives them the freedom to grow at the pace their curiosity leads them.”
Jamari Fernandez
Jamari Fernandez, 16, is a sophomore who recently enrolled at CIS. He is currently taking the same Geology–History of Life and Laser Tech courses as Tom and also African American Art at PCC, and English, Math, US History, Spanish, Medical Arts and PE at CIS.
Jamari said “Attending PCC has been a great experience. I’ve gained consistency and structure by attending PUSD/CIS and PCC. It’s been great being able to try college at my age. I know and understand commitment and not giving up.”
Jamari’s mom Tonita Fernandez added, “High school and college together are tough; however, you are tougher. Stay the course and remember that every late-night studying and every early morning class is an investment in your dreams. Keep going, we believe in you!”
She continued, “When you find the right fit in a school program that meets a student’s learning style, the student can soar. CIS and PCC together is a match that will certainly add value to a student’s education and put the student on track for a brighter future. Having an opportunity to take courses at PCC and PUSD/CIS has totally enlightened and motivated Jamari as he thinks about his future.”
Angie Coronado
Senior Angie Coronado, 17, has been at CIS since Spring 2022, the second half of her 8th grade year. She currently is taking Calculus 2 and Physics for Scientists and Engineers at PCC, and English and Government and PE at CIS. She previously took PreCalculus, Calculus 1, Intro to Astronomy and Intro to Philosophy at PCC while at CIS.
Angie remarked, “Taking math classes at PCC has made me rediscover my love for math, but I still really like physics and, as of now, I plan to major in physics.”
She has a total GPA of 4.1 and is a finalist for the well-known Posse Foundation scholarship. Fingers crossed!
CIS Principal Raymond Cross summed it up well: “The students at CIS are just like other students, they have dreams, aspirations and goals. These students are examples of how alternative routes can lead them to their future.”
(L-R) Tom Haas, Jamari Fernandez, and Angie Coronado (Photo – Birgit Haas)
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