San Jose, CA - On Wednesday, November 9, 2022, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) hosted the Leading in Partnership by Fostering Community: The Power of Democracy convening for leaders in Santa Clara County.
The virtual convening highlighted Santa Clara County youth voices, community leaders from partner organizations, and members of the SCCOE Power of Democracy Steering Committee.
“This event is an opportunity to celebrate the many individuals who have committed to leading in partnership with the community to inspire deeper civic engagement and model public service,” said County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan.
After sharing her testimony of education advocacy with underserved communities, keynote speaker Nicole Jain, Education Policy Advisor, addressed ways youth can actively participate in their communities. “As you know, you [the audience] are all in unique positions to help continue to challenge and inspire the youth of Santa Clara County,” said Jain.
In addition to showcasing student art through a mural slideshow, the event featured Santa Clara County high school students from Los Gatos High School, Mountain View High School and Yerba Buena High School, who participated in a youth panel discussing the value of civic engagement. The panel was moderated by Dr. Antero Godina Garcia, associate professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education and Power of Democracy Steering Committee member.
Milan Balinton, Executive Director of African American Community Service Agency served as the Master of Ceremonies.
“A prominent theme that emerged from our conversation today is that civic education and continued engagement are vital to achieving long-term transformation in Santa Clara County,” said Balinton.
The SCCOE also recognized school personnel and districts that are excelling in the fields of civic and community engagement through a presentation of civic education awards and commendations. The following awards and commendations were presented during the program: the Civic Education Outstanding Educator Award to Julie Yick Wong Koppel, Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District; the State Seal of Civic Engagement Outstanding Educator Award to Pilar Leah Svendsen, Santa Clara Unified School District; and the Exemplary District Commendation of Service Learning to Palo Alto Unified School District, accepted by district’s the Director of Innovation and Agility, Dr. Jeong Choe.
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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 that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 22 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.