Josh Benitez Signs with UCLA Program, Moves Closer to Film School Dream

Josh Benitez has long dreamed of attending Exceptional Minds, a Los Angeles-based film school and studio that prepares young adults on the autism spectrum for careers in animation, visual effects, and digital media. But during a visit to the campus, Josh and his family realized there was an important step that needed to come first. Learning how to live independently and navigate life on his own was imperative.

Now, that next step is becoming a reality.

Surrounded by classmates, teachers, and family decked out in UCLA gear, Josh celebrated a major milestone Friday as his school hosted a college signing day ceremony recognizing his acceptance into the UCLA Extension Pathway Program. The two-year program helps young adults with neurodivergent disabilities build independent living skills, gain career experience, and prepare for life beyond high school.

“I’m excited, but like, nervous too,” Josh said. “You know, it’s like a big change for me. Moving out and seeing a lot of parts of L.A.”

The moment reflected just how far Joshua had come.

“Seeing his progress to this point is beyond our wildest dreams for him,” said his mother, Jessica Benitez. “Early on, we were told he might only be able to tell time and count money someday.”

Diagnosed with autism and an intellectual disability, Josh has been part of special education and speech programs since he was four. But his family made a deliberate choice to focus on his strengths rather than labels, encouraging his interests and helping him find his own path.

That path became clearer as Josh’s creativity began to emerge. He developed an early interest in art, film, and animation, but it was at Centennial High School where that passion truly took hold. There, he immersed himself in film production and discovered a love for video editing, an interest that quickly became a driving force in his life.

Josh Benitez throws up “4s Up,” a popular UCLA hand sign, as he celebrates his acceptance into the UCLA Extension Pathway Program during a signing day ceremony Friday.

Centennial High media arts teacher David Howe recalled Josh standing out because he consistently exceeded the same high standards expected of every student in the class.

“It is rare for me to award an 11 out of 10 on a project, but Josh earned several,” Howe said. “A student can only do that by producing work that goes beyond the assignment and reflects a level of creativity and quality comparable to a professional artist.”

Josh’s work in the program eventually earned him an Outstanding Senior Award, which Howe presented to him. It was a recognition made even more meaningful because he was selected among all students in the program without special accommodations.

“I’m so glad to hear that Josh is doing well and continuing his artistic journey,” Howe added.

Josh continued to build his skills, enrolling in a digital cinema course at Kern High School District’s CTEC, where he earned a certificate of completion. Each experience helped sharpen both his technical abilities and his confidence, bringing him closer to his long-term goal of working in the film industry.

“I really want to have a job at a studio in Hollywood so I can do better on the videos they’ve been making,” Josh said.

Josh later continued building life and career skills through the Kern High School District’s ABLE program, specifically at the Ruggenberg Career Center (RCC). While ABLE focuses broadly on independent living and functional academics, RCC places a strong emphasis on vocational training, allowing students to explore areas such as culinary arts, retail, office skills, and more.

At RCC, Josh not only developed job skills, but also gained independence, learning how to manage money, ride the bus, grocery shop, do laundry, and prepare meals. He also applied his creativity in new ways, from T-shirt design to hands-on culinary experiences, while gaining real-world work exposure through opportunities like his placement at Goodwill.

“He is an amazing student — thoughtful, kind, and detail oriented,” said Josh’s current teacher, Shelly Stephens. “He has frequently functioned as a team leader. He remembers routines and expectations and never has to be reminded to be on task.”

That combination of independence, leadership, and focus helped prepare Josh for the highly selective UCLA Extension Pathway Program, where space is limited, and the admissions process is competitive.

“This is more than just a program, it is a milestone,” Jessica said. “It brings him closer to his goal of living independently in Los Angeles and is especially meaningful because this is something we never imagined possible.”

Years of watching Josh grow have shaped Jessica’s perspective on what progress can look like for families navigating similar journeys. And, for the Benitezes, success isn’t complicated. They simply want a life where Josh is independent, employed, and doing work he enjoys.

Looking back on that journey, Jessica hopes other families continue to believe in possibilities that may not seem obvious at first.

“You know them better than anyone,” she said. “Continue to advocate and explore every possible path for your child, even those that may seem out of reach.”