While many students discover their passions through a single path, Jakob Bakker’s journey has been anything but ordinary. From robotics and visual art to leadership and community service, the Valley Oaks Charter School salutatorian has embraced every opportunity along the way — earning a full-ride to Colby College and leaving a lasting impact on his school and community.
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Students from across Kern County came together at the Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) for an exciting and interactive Career and STEM Expo that was designed to spark curiosity and open doors to future opportunities.
Fresh off a county championship earlier this year, students from Stockdale High School continued their momentum on the state stage, earning multiple team and individual honors at the 2026 California Academic Decathlon.
A passion for artificial intelligence and a drive to solve complex problems have guided Valley Oaks Tehachapi valedictorian Warren Woolf to Stanford University, where he plans to help shape the future of emerging technology.
Thursday evening, middle and junior high school students took the stage in downtown Bakersfield at City Centre for the 41st annual Henry Greve Speech Contest, delivering passionate speeches centered on the prompt: “Is America Still the Land of Opportunity?”
For a decade, the sound of beeping eggs has signaled something special each spring in East Bakersfield. That tradition continued today as students, families, educators, and community partners gathered at the Police Activities League for the 10th Annual Audible Easter Egg Hunt. The event is designed to ensure that students with visual impairments can experience the excitement of a traditional egg hunt in an accessible, welcoming, and joyful way.
Precision, patience, and skill were on full display Saturday as school bus drivers from across the region gathered at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) Service Center for the annual Bus Road-eo.
For more than a century, the Rio Bravo-Greeley Union School District (RBG) has served students on the rural outskirts of Bakersfield. What began in 1891 as a single-room shack with just sixteen students has evolved into a thriving district known for strong academics, deep community roots, and a culture where every student feels they belong.
Eight Kern County schools are earning statewide recognition after being named 2026 California Distinguished Schools, one of the highest honors a public school can receive. The designation highlights campuses that demonstrate strong student outcomes and innovative programs that help students succeed.
Bakersfield came alive last week as youth volunteers from across the region gathered for the first-ever California Service Corps Connections event held in Kern County.
A group of students from Wallace Middle School missed their long-awaited trip to Camp KEEP when the pandemic shut down the program in 2020. Years later, they returned — not as campers, but as high school counselors guiding a new generation of sixth graders through the same unforgettable coastal experience.
Students from across Kern County brought history to life during the 2026 Kern County History Day competition, showcasing months of research through documentaries, exhibits, performances, and more — all centered on this year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction & Reform in History.”
Starting from the ground up, Fruitvale’s first Virtual Enterprise class turned a brand-new program into an award-winning experience while building real-world business skills.
Middle and high school students from across Kern County gathered Friday for a day of support, connection, and finding their voice at the 11th annual Youth Empowering Success (YES!) Conference at Bakersfield College. Each year, the conference brings together homeless and foster youth, educators, caregivers, and community partners for workshops, discussions, and activities centered on helping them succeed in school and beyond.
In an effort to strengthen respect and constructive dialogue across its schools and community, the Sierra Sands Unified School District is inviting families, staff, and community members to commit to a new Community Social Contract. Approved by the Board of Education on Feb. 19, the Social Contract establishes clear expectations for respectful communication and behavior both in and out of the classroom.
March 1-7 is recognized as School Social Workers Week, a time to celebrate the staff who provide support, resources and a safe space for students and their families. In recognition of the week, KCSOS hosted a Community of Practice session Wednesday, where six individuals were honored with School Social Worker of the Year awards.
More than 700 students from 4th through 12th grade got out their poster boards and hands-on experiments to showcase their science projects at the 38th annual Kern County Science Fair, held Tuesday at the Dignity Health Convention Center. Check out the results and photos.
Wonderful College Prep Academy (WCPA), which serves small, rural communities in Delano and Lost Hills, is being honored for its commitment to its students and families with a statewide award. This week, the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) presented the school with its Hart Vision Equity & Innovation Award and named it the 2026 Charter School of the Year.
Seventh and eighth grade students from McKittrick Elementary School beat out four other districts Friday to take home the top trophy at the annual Whiz Kids Competition. The Academic Decathlon-style event tests students’ knowledge in a variety of different subjects including math, science, history, and writing. The event concludes with a “Super Quiz” that questions students about a pre-selected novel.
Eighth grader Emery Peñaloza of Norris Middle School transformed his love of history into a state-level win in the Sons of the American Revolution Video Contest and now advances to the national stage, inspiring other students to follow their passions and embrace the joy of doing what they truly love.
