The California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) Student Union buzzed with excitement today as about 200 middle and high school students gathered for the Second Annual Student Voice Matters Day. These student ambassadors, representing 13 chapters across Kern County, stepped onto campus ready to grow as leaders, explore college and career opportunities, and, most importantly, amplify their voices for change in their schools.
“We want them to feel confident to become leaders,” said program organizer Kim Silva. “These students are bringing in their lived experience and making our schools more equitable for all students.
The Student Voice Ambassador Program organized the event to empower students who have faced adversity — foster youth, students experiencing homelessness, or others often unheard of in traditional student government roles. Unlike elected student leaders, these ambassadors are selected by educators who recognize their resilience, leadership potential, and commitment to equity.
“The ambassador program chapters include students who aren’t typically heard,” said Allyson Baptiste, coordinator of school community partnerships with Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS).
The day began with a warm breakfast and a superhero-themed welcome. The theme, “What’s Your Superhero Strength?” encouraged students to identify the unique qualities that could help them lead and succeed.
The morning featured two engaging workshop rotations. One was the Impactful Communication Workshop, led by Luis Garcia from KCSOS. This training focused on public speaking and teaching students to confidently present feedback to school leaders and advocate for change.
“A lot of them have never had that confidence built,” Baptiste said. “That training will help them not only with public speaking, but it will also help them with interpersonal communication and to feel confident in themselves.”
The second rotation, the Student Voice Maker Space, provided hands-on activities to help students express themselves. Stations included a photojournalism lab for aspiring storytellers, a culinary arts space, a craft station to create their own superhero, and even a flower bar introducing horticulture and agriculture. Students explored potential careers at each station while discovering programs offered at local college campuses.
Students engage in warm-up activities.
After a morning of learning and creativity, students enjoyed lunch alongside a College and Career Talk. Many then chose to participate in an optional campus tour led by the CSUB Educational Opportunity Program, giving them their first glimpse into college life and opening doors to opportunities they hadn’t imagined.
“Our students don’t often see themselves in a four-year college,” Silva said. “We’re hoping to make college dreams happen.
The Student Voice Ambassador Program reflects a broader commitment to equity in education. Students in the program often face barriers like chronic absenteeism or high dropout rates. The program offers them hands-on activities and entices them to become more engaged at school.
“When students feel like their voice is heard, they’re seven times more likely to be academically motivated and engaged in school,” Silva said.
Students create their own flower bouquet.
Baptiste says she was proud of all the work the chapters are doing on their school campuses to invest in their students and programs.
“This program is only as successful as the individual schools with the investment they put into it, and I’m very proud of them and the advisors for taking the initiative and implementing this stuff on their campus,” she said.
The long-term vision for the program includes mentoring younger students and expanding chapters across the county. For these students, Student Voice Matters Day is a reminder that their voices are being heard, their experiences matter, and they have what it takes to succeed.
“By working with the principals to make change, we see the whole school climate improve,” Baptiste said. “And we see engagement from other students who have overcome adversity because they’re also being heard.”
Students learn safe knife handling skills at the culinary arts station.
By Katie Avery
Katie Avery joined the Kern County Superintendent of Schools in 2023 as a Communications Specialist. As a former journalist and marketing professional, her passions include media and storytelling. Before joining KCSOS, Avery worked for various local TV stations as well as the health care industry.