Jesse Rojas Blazes Path to Independence

Jesse Rojas - UNR Path to Independence student makes his way to his on-campus office

Reno, NV, May 10, 2019 – Jesse Rojas is a Dayton High School (DHS) and a college student.  Rojas, a student who has dealt with disabilities his whole life, has become a trailblazer and advocate for his peers.  He is the first high school student in Northern Nevada to be dual-enrolled as part of a high school and the Path to Indepence (P2I), formerly Think College, a two-year program at the University of Nevada, Reno designed to give students with intellectual disabilities a college experience and prepare them for life as independent adults.  The program engages in Person Centered Planning (PCP) and Students Transitioning to Adult Roles (STAR) in which students, their family and the program discuss their plan of action for Academic Enrichment, Independent Living, Self-Determination, Campus & Community Engagement and Career Development & Employment.  P2I structures the program so that their students are able to take UNR college courses with typical peers and are encouraged to participate and become active members in the university community.  In addition, the students prepare for integrated, competitive employment and are exposed to community services that will lead to the desired independent living outcomes. 

Rojas, a native of Dayton, NV, has made his opportunity at UNR a possibility with his determination to be on campus every week, Monday through Friday.  In the morning his mother drives him to Carson City where he catches the RTC bus to Reno and then to UNR.  Rojas spends over three and a half hours in his commute every day in order to be a part of the program at the University.

As the first dual-enrollment student, Rojas is gearing up for graduation from his college program next week.  It is the goal of LCSD Special Services to assure that every student can learn and achieve the skills necessary to be proficient in academic, vocation and social disciplines.  As a result of their school experiences, students with disabilities should be able to make a successful transition from school to a productive and satisfying life as adults.  Through the collaboration of LCSD and UNR’s Path to Independence, Jesse Rojas has expanded and capitalized on experiences and learning opportunities available to individuals with disabilities, and he has made great strides in his Path to Independence while helping others realize they can do it too.  Currently, the program has two other Lyon County School District (LCSD) students – one in her first year, a second beginning in the fall.  “

“Jesse has opened doors and my eyes to the possibilities of students with disabilities – he’s blown me away. I am so proud of him and his accomplishments.  His self-determination, self-advocacy and advocacy for others is contagious and this encourages me every day to unlock and open doors for our students in Lyon County.  Jesse has done the hard work to get to where he is today and never takes opportunities presented to him for granted.  I have learned so much from Jesse through his journey the past two years, and hope he truly knows the positive impact he has had on my life and my career as a special educator and administrator,” states Marva Cleven, LCSD Director of Special Services.

Rojas has been employed in UNR’s College of Education as part of the AmeriCorps VISTA program.  VISTA was an idea that originated with President John F. Kennedy in 1965 as a program designed to alleviate poverty and was incorporated into AmeriCorps in 1993.  AmeriCorps is a network of national services programs aimed at improving lives and fostering civic engagement where members bring their passion and perserverance to where the need is greatest.  Members can be employed from three months to a year.  Rojas has committed himself to AmeriCorps for the past semester and will continue with AmeriCorps VISTA for the following year after his graduation. 

On Thursday, May 9, Rojas was presented with a scholarship check from LCSD.  “You make LCSD and myself so proud, Jesse.  You are an inspiration to the students to come after you and we can’t wait to see what you do,” stated LCSD Superintendent Wayne Workman as he presented the check to Rojas.  Rojas, in his unequivocal grateful nature, accepted the check, “Thank you for everything and thank you for believing in me. I won’t disappoint you.”

Rojas has also served on the State Special Education Advisory Committee where he has been a representative and advocate for his peers.

Our vision… Graduate all students to be successful in college and career.

Our Mission… Provide relevant learning opportunities that develop adaptable, persistent and self-directed learners capable of creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking necessary to overcome complex challenges.

Every Student… Every Classroom… Every Day…

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Erika Garcia at erikagarcia@lyoncsd.org.

Rojas accepts check from LCSD Superintendent Workman

Rojas poses for a photo with LCSD Superintendent Workman, Director of Special Services Marva Cleven and Special Services Data Manager Lisa Shea

Rojas with LCSD personnel and his co-workers at UNR

Rojas in his office

Rojas with his para John Kramer, former DHS teacher CJ Fields, State personnel and Nevada Department of Education Special Services Director Will Jensen

Rojas speaks at panel