Linked Learning Alliance to Celebrate San Bernardino City Unified School District for High-Quality College and Career Readiness Efforts

The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) and the Linked Learning Alliance will celebrate and congratulate the Digital Media Arts Academy and the Business and Logistics Academy at Arroyo Valley High School, as well as the Digital Design and Communications Academy at Pacific High School for achieving Linked Learning Gold certification on Tuesday, April 5. This event will take place in the Dr. Margaret Hill Community Room at the SBCUSD Board of Education building and will include students, educators, partners from industry and post-secondary institutions, and policymakers.

Linked Learning Gold is a distinction that means SBCUSD is excelling at increasing equity and preparing students for both college and career. These new Gold-Certified pathways are among the first pathways in the country to achieve this significant recognition.

What: The Linked Learning Alliance and SBCUSD celebrate three pathways recognized as Linked Learning Gold—among the first pathways in the nation to achieve this distinction.

Who: Dr. Ricardo Esquivel, Assistant Superintendent – Equity, Access and Innovation, SBCUSD

Anne Stanton, President and CEO, Linked Learning Alliance

Dr. Natalie Raymundo, Principal, Pacific High School

Bernardo Valenzuela Torres, Principal, Arroyo Valley High School

Sue Abito, San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH)

George San Martin and Eddie Garcia, Thinkwise Credit Union

Students and teachers from Gold-Certified pathways

 When: Tuesday, April 5 from 4–7 p.m. PT

Where: Dr. Margaret Hill Community Room, Board of Education building, 777 North F Street, San Bernardino, CA 92410

BACKGROUND

From ages 14 to 24, young people form powerful impressions of who they are and what they can do. It’s the decade of difference. But in the U.S., millions disconnect from learning and their potential during this time. Linked Learning is an approach to education that helps young people discover their purpose. The Linked Learning Alliance leads this movement.

Linked Learning integrates rigorous academics with real-world learning and strong support services to prepare students for success in college, career, and life. A multi-year, independent evaluation of Linked Learning shows that students in certified Linked Learning pathways have decreased dropout rates, higher graduation rates, more credits earned, more college preparatory courses completed, and improved 21st-century skills compared with similar peers in traditional high schools. Linked Learning has especially positive effects for students who start high school behind academically and for students of color. The Linked Learning Alliance helps create public will for equity and excellence in education, elevate the practice of Linked Learning across the state, and advance policies that serve and support all youth. No matter their life circumstances, every young person should have genuine access to post-secondary education, as well as the support they need to earn a credential and enter a high-skill job by age 25.