Bakersfield Mayor, Student Advocates Promote State Seal of Biliteracy

A countywide effort is underway to showcase the value of multilingualism in local schools, as the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) partners with Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh and California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) President Dr. Vernon Harper to promote the California State Seal of Biliteracy.

At the center of the initiative is KCSOS’ Humanities and Multilingual Education Department, which designed a campaign to increase awareness of the Seal of Biliteracy, encourage more students to apply, and support school districts in building biliteracy pathways that begin as early as transitional kindergarten (TK).

“We’ve noticed that there’s not a lot of word spread out about what [the seal] is and how we are here to support different school districts,” said Jennifer Gonzalez, Program Specialist in Multilingual Education at KCSOS. “We are currently in the promoting phase, with a series of videos to let the districts know how we can help them.”

The California State Seal of Biliteracy is a gold seal that can be attached to a student’s diploma or transcript, recognizing high school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language. Gonzalez emphasized that the seal is a credential students can carry into college and the workforce.

“This is saying: ‘I not only know how to speak a different language, I know how to read, speak, and write it,'” Gonzalez said. “They have to prove their competence and confidence in two languages.”

To broaden its reach, KCSOS is producing a series of videos aimed at different audiences. One focuses on districts and school staff, offering support and resources. Another is student-centered, featuring testimonials from students and community members. Mayor Goh was an enthusiastic early supporter, helping to amplify the message.

“In Kern County, we estimate nearly 33,000 students speak a language other than English, which is a powerful asset,” Mayor Goh said. “The Seal of Biliteracy isn’t just an award. It’s a celebration of identity, culture, and academic accomplishment.”

Mayor Goh, Dr. Mendiburu, and staff pose with Senior Brayan Zazueta who advocated for the State Seal of Biliteracy in his school district.

Gonzalez, herself an English learner, said maintaining their home language and culture can be important for students who may see their school placing more value on English rather than other languages.

“Too often you don’t feel like you have a voice because of the language barrier,” she said. “That representation matters. We want students to start young, feel empowered, and understand that their language is an asset.”

According to KCSOS leaders, multilingualism is linked to cognitive, academic, and long-term health benefits, including increased empathy, higher graduation rates, and even reduced risk of dementia later in life. Biliterate students tend to be better prepared for college and careers.

Dr. Harper said CSUB views the Seal of Biliteracy as a strong indicator of academic commitment and leadership potential.

“We encourage students to use their bilingualism as a foundation for future learning, leadership skills, and career opportunities,” he said.

KCSOS Director of Humanities and Multilingual Education Lisa Vargas said another goal is to create a seamless, countywide system of biliteracy pathways from early childhood through higher education.

“When you have a vision and the right people alongside you, you can accomplish anything,” Vargas said.

Last year, 2,219 Kern County students earned the Seal of Biliteracy — about 6.7 percent of eligible students. With expanded outreach and district support, KCSOS hopes to increase that number significantly.

One powerful example of what’s possible comes from Mojave Unified School District. Senior Brayan Lopez Zazueta wanted to earn his seal, but faced roadblocks from the district. With the support of his counselor, Mrs. Moessner, Zazueta spoke up at a school board meeting and shared how the seal would help him achieve his goal of becoming an engineer. His advocacy worked. The district reversed course and will now implement the Seal of Biliteracy for its students.

As Mayor Goh concluded in the campaign’s closing message: “Let’s build pathways that empower every student to become bilingual, biliterate, and prepared for the future.”