This summer, a group of young foster students from across Kern County experienced more than just hands-on learning — they began making their mark as future civic leaders. For three weeks this summer, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) hosted its third annual Foster Youth STEAM Summer Camp at the Kern County Museum. The free program welcomed 23 incoming third through sixth graders currently active in the foster care system.
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Eight students from the Regional Occupational Center and Career Technical Education Center (ROC CTEC) in Bakersfield represented California on the national stage last month, showcasing their skills at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The students qualified for the national compe
For the first time in her life, Taylor Burrows is leaving California — and she’s going big. The recent Highland High School graduate is headed across the country this fall to begin her college journey at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. There, she’ll pursue a pre-med track, continuing a path she’s been building since freshman year, guided by a love of science, a passion for helping others, and the relentless work ethic that has defined her high school experience.
When Avery Francisco Cacal walked across the stage at Delano High School’s graduation, he did so with a sense of purpose greater than himself. His journey is defined by hard work, sacrifice, and a dream of serving his country, just as his family has done before him. This fall, Avery is headed to New York to attend the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) before joining USMA, also known as West Point. His ultimate goal is to join the U.S. Army as an officer, a first for his family.
This fall, Nathan Chavez will be trading the warm familiarity of Bakersfield for the historic halls of the University of Pennsylvania — one of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions in the country. With an acceptance rate of just 5.9 percent and a reputation for challenging its students, UPenn is no easy feat. Yet, for Nathan, it’s not just a college acceptance — it’s the realization of a dream and a defining milestone as the first in his family to attend a four-year university.
Earlier this week, Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) celebrated the opening of the new Central Kitchen, marking a significant milestone in the way meals are prepared and delivered to students across Kern County.
Thousands of students across Kern County are sparking curiosity and a love of learning at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) summer STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Camps. The summer extended learning program offers a variety of hands-on activities and lessons for several age groups and districts. The summer STEAM Camps were nominated for a 2025 Beautiful Bakersfield Award in the Educational Excellence category. This year, the camps’ locations have expanded to include the new KCSOS STEAM Yard, which opened at the beginning of May. Each location offers a distinct focus, with lesson plans tailored to match each theme.
For Miriam Vasquez, high school wasn’t just about academics—it was about transformation, independence, and discovering the power of perseverance. Now, as she prepares to attend the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) with an almost full-ride scholarship, she reflects on a journey that began far away.
Thanks to the extensive early college programs offered by high school districts across Kern County, many local seniors can graduate with more than just a few college credits to their name. In fact, a growing number are earning full associate degrees before they even leave their high school campus. Ruby Bravo, who recently graduated from Delano High School, has earned three degrees: two Associate of Arts (AA) degrees from Bakersfield College (BC) and one Associate of Science (AS) degree from Cerro Coso Community College.
The Sierra Sands Unified School District (SSUSD) in Ridgecrest cut the ribbon Tuesday morning on its new Richmond Elementary School. School staff, military officials, local leaders, and community members all celebrated the legacy of the beloved institution while bringing it into the future.
Del Oro High School, the newest campus in the Kern High School District, celebrated its first graduating class last week. Among the first members of the senior class is a trailblazer Edwin Jesus Campos who sought success and found it with his acceptance to Stanford University.
With proud families, friends, educators, and partners from Kern County Probation watching, the Class of 2025 from KCSOS’s Alternative Education programs crossed the stage this morning during a heartfelt commencement ceremony held at Valley Oaks Charter School in Bakersfield.
Meet the unsung heroes of Valley Oaks Charter School. The inaugural Superintendent’s Award honors four standout students—not just for grades, but for grit, kindness, and quiet leadership. From running a petting zoo to reviving a drama program, these 8th and 12th graders show that impact isn’t always loud—but it’s always powerful.
After more than a decade in leadership at Bakersfield City School District, Superintendent Mark Luque is stepping into a new role with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools as Chief Training & Advancement Officer. The longtime educator, who once attended BCSD schools himself, says the move isn’t a departure but an expansion — a chance to support and empower school leaders countywide while continuing to champion student success.
There are 180 days in a school year. Over 13 years—from kindergarten through high school—that adds up to 2,340 days. Dylan Henderson, a senior at Maricopa High School (Maricopa Unified School District), hasn’t missed a single one.
Cheers to progress! English learners served by KCSOS were recently celebrated for their impressive gains on the ELPAC. From growth to reclassification, these students are making major strides toward English fluency.
Caps and gowns, tiny edition! 🎓✨ On a beautiful spring morning, the Richardson Center’s preschool graduates stole the show as proud parents and loved ones looked on. With songs, smiles, and precious little faces beaming with pride, it was a celebration to remember. Congratulations to these bright young learners — kindergarten, here they come!
Sparks are flying – literally – inside the campus workshop at McFarland High School, where a group of advanced welding students is shaping metalworks and forging lasting legacies.
Kindergarten graduation at Valley Oaks Charter Bakersfield was all smiles, songs, and sweet moments. Congrats to our littlest grads — first grade, here they come!
Hundreds of students are being awarded for more than just their academic achievements — they’re being recognized for their commitment to making a difference in their communities. Thanks to a major local push to promote civic participation, more than 700 high school students will earn the State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) this year, a dramatic leap from just two students a few years ago.
