More than 1,100 students from dozens of schools competed in a series of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) challenges in the annual Kern County STEAM Olympiad Saturday at Liberty High School. The event, sponsored by the Kern County Science Foundation and the Kern County Math Council, helps foster 21st-century skills in STEAM fields that align with California Standards.
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Elementary school speakers from Kern County showed off their verbal and writing skills Thursday night at the annual Bank of America Essay/Speech Contest. Sponsored and judged by Bank of America employees and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS), the competition allows students in grades four through six to express their personal insights on a common topic.
Kern County education leaders gathered to dedicate the Aurora Learning Center in honor of former Superintendent Mary C. Barlow, whose advocacy helped create a safe, supportive space for students with the most complex needs.
More than 100 students, judges, parents, and teachers packed the new Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) STEAM Yard Thursday afternoon to watch elementary and middle school students go head-to-head in the inaugural Kern Codes Skoolcade: the competition to see who can design the best video game.
A celebration of healing, connection, and community lit up the Blanton Education Center as KCSOS’s Alternative Education program hosted its third annual Mental Health Fair. With the theme “Mental Health Begins With Me,” the event invited students and families to explore vital wellness resources, enjoy live music and therapy dogs, and embrace the message that support is always within reach.
Each year, KCSOS calls for nominations from Kern’s 46 school districts for the Classified Employees of the Year program. Nine individuals rose to the top of the field this year, and will be honored at the annual Education Champions ceremony on May 6 where Kern County’s Teachers of the Year will also be announced.
General Shafter School welcomed families from across the community to its first annual Community Resource Fair, featuring a special TK/Kindergarten Readiness event for young children and their parents. The event helped connect families with valuable local resources and support early childhood education. Community partners like the Kern County Sheriff’s Department, Kern Family Health Care, and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) were on hand to provide information and assistance.
Fifth-grade student Jocelyn Cadena from Rio Bravo-Greeley Elementary School (Rio Bravo-Greeley Union School District RBG) has been named the California state winner of the U.S. Department of Justice’s 42nd Annual National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest. Judges chose her artwork from over 200 entries statewide. Now she is going for the national title.
More than 255 students, who already rose through the rakes of their schoolwide, districtwide, and regional competitions, went head-to-head Saturday in the annual Kern County Oral Language Festival at Stonecreek Jr. High School. Elementary and middle school students were tasked with presenting their interpretations of a published literary work in a three-to-five-minute piece.
KCSOS has been awarded a $20 million statewide grant to lead a transformative math initiative aimed at improving instruction, equity, and student outcomes across California. In partnership with the California Mathematics Project and others, this effort will empower educators with training, tools, and support aligned to the state’s 2023 Math Framework.
More than two decades ago, sixth-grade teacher Susan Holloway began collecting various clothing and hygiene items in her classroom to give to her students and their families in need. Those decades of hard work culminated in the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Susan Holloway clothing bank at the Greenfield Family Resource Center in the Greenfield Union School District (GFUSD). Thanks to Holloway’s determination, Greenfield’s outreach efforts, and community contributions, the district can offer another vital resource to the families it serves.
Nearly 900 of California’s brightest young minds gathered at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks on April 12–13 for the 2025 California Science & Engineering Fair, the state’s premier science competition for students in grades 6 through 12. Among the 881 participants representing 351 schools, several Kern County students stood out for their innovative research and scientific curiosity.
Four Kern County elementary schools have been recognized as 2025 California Distinguished Schools, earning one of the state’s highest honors for public schools. The distinction celebrates schools demonstrating outstanding academic achievement and significant progress in closing performance gaps among student groups.
California teachers: Don’t reinvent the wheel. Thousands of free, standards-aligned lessons are now available on CA Educators Together — built by educators, for educators. Whether you’re looking to supplement your curriculum or save time without sacrificing quality, this Kern-led platform is here to support you.
Families filled the McFarland High School campus with laughter, music, and pride on Saturday for the 3rd annual Migrant Family Day—a celebration that honors the learning, culture, and resilience of students in the Migrant Education Program and their families.
Young children engaged all their senses today in the inaugural Sensory Storytime event. Organized by the Community Connection for Child Care, in partnership with Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS), Sensory Storytime is designed to engage kids from an early age through a series of fun, creative activities that let children express themselves and tap into their imaginations.
Career Technical Education (CTE) students at Valley Oaks Charter School (VOCS) presented their signature pieces Thursday evening at the school’s annual Senior Showcase. The event allowed the CTE Capstone students to express themselves through show-stopping creative projects.
Nearly $42,000 in scholarships were awarded to 48 high-achieving seniors during the 46th Annual African American Graduation Awards in Bakersfield — a powerful evening of celebration, pride, and academic excellence.
In a day packed with energy, creativity, and inspiration, young girls from across Kern County got hands-on with science and engineering — and saw just how bright their futures in STEM can be.
Middle and high schoolers from across Kern County stepped into the spotlight at the Youth Against Commercial Tobacco Summit, learning to lead the charge against vaping and smoking through advocacy, education, and grit.
