In a video graduation ceremony today, the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) honored 99 high school students from multiple Community Schools and Senior Extension Program sites.
“You are leaving our campuses with more than a piece of paper. You have new skills and experiences that will carry you into the workforce and possibly further to higher education,” Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon told the graduates. “Learning doesn’t end with high school. What about a two-year degree or a certificate from a community college? How about a four-year degree from a CSU? What about a trade apprenticeship?”
The keynote speaker was Kevin Bracey, a motivational speaker and author. “Right now, you are in a space where you feel great,” he told graduates. “This is what success feels like. This is a moment of success. This is a moment that you can stop and breathe in because you have achieved something you set out to achieve.”
About the Community Schools Program
Community schools provide an alternative education program for students, who may be referred by Sacramento County school districts, School Attendance Review Boards, or the Sacramento County Probation Department. Community schools provide core academics and interventions aligned with education standards, along with additional support, counseling, and the opportunity for career exploration and career technical education courses.
Senior Extension Program Helps Students Complete Their Education
SCOE’s community school sites also serve as hubs for the Senior Extension Program, which involves a combination of independent study and classroom work. The program aims to re-engage students who are in jeopardy of dropping out of high school—or who have been out of school and want to return to complete their graduation requirements. Students earn credits while still fulfilling work and family obligations—things that would otherwise have prevented them from completing their high school education.