Loading...
Back to kern.org
Apprenticeship Program Opens Doors to Careers in School Nutrition
Mon February 2, 2026 | Community News

Apprenticeship Program Opens Doors to Careers in School Nutrition

At the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) Central Kitchen, staff prepare thousands of meals a day while also cooking up future careers. Through a growing network of internship and apprenticeship programs, the KCSOS Central Kitchen is becoming a training ground for aspiring culinary professionals, career changers, and students seeking real-world experience. While multiple pathways are available, the newest opportunity comes through a partnership with the Chef Ann Foundation, a national nonprofit aiming to promote more clean eating and scratch cooking.

Read Full Story
The Great Kindness Challenge Brings Out the Best of Kern County Schools
Fri January 30, 2026 | Community News

The Great Kindness Challenge Brings Out the Best of Kern County Schools

From enhancing your morning brew to putting the “I” in KIND, students across Kern County are finding creative ways to lead with compassion this week as part of the Great Kindness Challenge, a worldwide effort to strengthen school climate and foster safe, supportive learning environments. The Great Kindness Challenge began as a positive, proactive bullying-prevention initiative for PreK-12 schools back in 2011. Now, the program serves more than 21 million students across more than 43,000 schools.

By Katie Avery
By Katie Avery
Charlie Cart Project Makes Nutrition Education Fun, Free, and Accessible
Thu January 22, 2026 | Community News

Charlie Cart Project Makes Nutrition Education Fun, Free, and Accessible

Kern County children are gaining a new opportunity to learn about healthy eating through hands-on experience with the installation of a Charlie Cart teaching kitchen at the Beale Memorial Library. The mobile cart is designed to help children develop practical cooking skills, learn about nutrition, and understand how food fuels their bodies. The Charlie Cart Project is a collaboration between Blue Zones Project Bakersfield, the Kern County Library, and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS). For the next six weeks, cooking professionals will provide hands-on lessons and cooking demonstrations for kids every Wednesday afternoon inside the Beale Memorial Library. These lessons are free and open to the public.

By Katie Avery
By Katie Avery
Mind, Body & Spirit: Greenfield Celebrates First Student Wellness Center
Wed January 21, 2026 | Community News

Mind, Body & Spirit: Greenfield Celebrates First Student Wellness Center

The Greenfield Union School District (GFUSD) is putting student physical and emotional health front and center with the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new student wellness center this week. Dubbed the “Pawsitive Wolfpack Den,” the wellness center at Crescent Elementary School is the first of 12 that will open across the district over the next two years to provide students with encouragement, support, and a sense of belonging.

By Katie Avery
By Katie Avery
Young Leaders Climb to New Heights at Student Voice Matters Day 
Thu January 15, 2026 | Spotlight

Young Leaders Climb to New Heights at Student Voice Matters Day 

Dozens of middle and high school students from across Kern County gathered at California State University, Bakersfield for the third annual Student Voice Matters Day — a powerful celebration of young people finding their confidence, building leadership skills, and learning how their voices can drive real change on their campuses and beyond.

By Katie Avery
By Katie Avery
Yachtley Crew Returns to CALM for 5th KEEP CALM Jamboree, April 24
Thu January 15, 2026 | Community News

Yachtley Crew Returns to CALM for 5th KEEP CALM Jamboree, April 24

The 5th Annual KEEP CALM Jamboree — presented by Valley Strong Credit Union — will return to the California Living Museum (CALM Zoo) on Friday, April 24, celebrating a milestone year for one of Kern County’s most anticipated spring events. What began as a creative way to pair live music with community giving has grown into a signature fundraiser benefiting CALM Zoo and Camp KEEP, supporting wildlife education, conservation, and hands-on learning experiences for students.

By Erin Pruitt
By Erin Pruitt
A Decade of Growth: School Social Workers Strengthen Student Support in Kern
Tue January 13, 2026 | District News

A Decade of Growth: School Social Workers Strengthen Student Support in Kern

Over the last decade, the field of School Social Work has expanded dramatically in Kern County, changing the way schools support students, families, and communities, and marking a significant shift toward whole-child wellbeing. That growth was on full display Monday and Tuesday as Bakersfield College hosted the California Association of School Social Workers (CASSW) Annual Conference for the first time.

By Katie Avery
By Katie Avery
KCSOS’s Future Readiness Center Opens New Pathways for Kern Students
Fri January 9, 2026 | Spotlight

KCSOS’s Future Readiness Center Opens New Pathways for Kern Students

In classrooms and communities across Kern County, students are beginning to see what’s possible for their futures — and they don’t have to figure it out alone. The new KCSOS Future Readiness Center is opening doors to college and career guidance, connecting students and families with free, personalized support, real-world professionals, and pathways to high-demand careers right here at home.

By Erin Pruitt
By Erin Pruitt
District Spotlight: Longevity, Community Form the Foundation of Lost Hills 
Tue January 6, 2026 | Community News

District Spotlight: Longevity, Community Form the Foundation of Lost Hills 

Of all the words to describe the Lost Hills Union School District in the rural lands of northwest Kern County, the best would be ‘longevity.’ From the teachers and staff members who started as students themselves and went on to spend decades serving the district to the school site that survived wild fluctuations in student enrollment the district has stood the test of time. 

By Katie Avery
By Katie Avery
Maple Elementary Elevates Family Engagement Through New Video Series
Fri December 19, 2025 | District News

Maple Elementary Elevates Family Engagement Through New Video Series

At Maple Elementary in Shafter, education isn’t limited to the school day — it continues around the kitchen table, in living rooms, and other places where families gather, talk, and learn together. Recognizing that many parents are unable to attend traditional evening events, the district found a creative way to meet families where they are, using simple videos and activities to strengthen connections, support students, and keep the rural community rooted in family learning.

By Erin Pruitt
By Erin Pruitt