SAN JOSE, CA – A workforce preparation program for youth has received local recognition for its positive impact. The program is a partnership among the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE), the Santa Clara County Division of Juvenile Probation, and the
Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA).
“No matter their life experiences, students will have support from the SCCOE to help them reach their personal and academic goals,” said County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. “I am proud of the innovative programs the SCCOE provides students to prepare them with the knowledge and skills to be successful adults entering the workforce.”
Introduced to Blue Ridge High School at William F. James Ranch in 2018, the LiUNA pre-apprenticeship program provides students with 14 weeks of skills-intensive curriculum and hands-on learning. Through the program, students can earn up to 12 industry-recognized certifications in preparation for entering the construction workforce. To date, 165 certifications have been awarded to students.
“The LiUNA pre-apprenticeship program has served as a model for us, demonstrating that a focused and well-constructed curriculum and practice help us create better educational and social outcomes for our students, now and after they return home,” said the Principal of South County Alternative Education Mark Camilleri.
The Glenn W. Hoffmann Exemplary Program Awards are given by the Santa Clara County School Boards Association and are presented at an annual award dinner in May. Each fall, school districts submit applications identifying programs they consider worthy of recognition and consistent with free, public education for all students. The awards began in 1984 and pay homage to former County Superintendent Dr. Glenn W. Hoffmann’s strong belief in educational leadership as a key factor in educational reform. For more information about the awards, visit
https://legacy.sccoe.org/sccsba/default.asp
The SCCOE’s Alternative Education Department serves 202 students directly through court and community schools. The department provides educational programs for students who have experienced disruptions to their education and challenges in fulfilling academic requirements in a traditional school setting.
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency committed to serving, inspiring, and promoting student and public school success. The SCCOE is a premier service organization driven by the core principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and partnership. For more information about the Santa Clara County Office of Education, please visit www.sccoe.org and follow us @SCCOE on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.