On May 2, 2026, approximately 1,200 fourth- through eighth-grade students participated in Kern County’s annual STEAM Olympiad sponsored by the Sentinel Peak Resources, Kern County Science Foundation, Kern County Math Council, California Math Council, and Kern County Superintendent of Schools. Check out the results.
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Students from across Kern County put their creativity and technical skills to the test during the 2026 Kern Codes Skoolcade, a game design competition that brought together aspiring developers in grades 4 through 8. Held April 23 at LER, the annual event challenged students to design and present original video games, blending storytelling, coding, and problem-solving into interactive experiences.
From sketching owls to coding with microbits, after-school learning in Mojave is sparking creativity and curiosity in new ways. A growing STEAM program is connecting students to real-world learning—and inspiring future educators along the way.
Wallace Elementary celebrated the first graduates of the Danny’s Fitness4Kids program, a new fitness program helping students build confidence and lifelong healthy habits through fun, movement-based activities.
More than 256 students brought stories to life at Stonecreek Jr. High School Saturday for the 55th annual Kern County Oral Language Festival. The students, who rose through the ranks of their own school, district, and regional competitions, presented a three-to-five minute humorous or serious interpretation of a published literary work.
The Panama-Buena Vista Union School District (PBVUSD) celebrated the completion of Mountain View TK-8 School on Thursday morning with a dedication ceremony that reflected the school’s growth from elementary school to a combined elementary and middle school.
The students of the Elk Hills School District are giving their school a gift that will be passed down for generations to come. In celebration of Earth Day on Wednesday, they came together with volunteers in the community to plant 40 sapling trees on campus grounds.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) clubs from 10 different schools gathered at the historic Bell Tower Plaza on Tuesday afternoon to brainstorm ideas and record their own podcast during the third annual Youth Against Commercial Tobacco Summit.
From the sidelines of Bakersfield High School’s football field, senior Analise Gil has turned her passion for photography into a new opportunity as she pursues her dream at USC.
Rio Bravo-Greeley Union School District leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday to celebrate the newly renovated Ed Edgmon Aquatic Center.
Seniors at Valley Oaks Charter School (VOCS) showed off their final projects Thursday evening during the 2026 Senior Showcase. The students are part of the Capstone Career Technical Education (CTE) program focusing on art, design, architecture, metalworking, woodworking and more.
Students and parents came together for Aprons in Bloom, a hands-on evening of cooking, wellness and family fun designed to help Standard School District families recharge during testing season.
Several talented students from Kern County are being celebrated as state-level winners in the 6th Annual Child Abuse Prevention Month Kids Art Contest, a statewide competition that invited youth to showcase their hopes and aspirations through this year’s theme, My Big Dream.
Educators and community leaders gathered at KCSOS’s Bell Tower Plaza for the opening of the Freedom Dreaming conference, where the 2026 EMBRACE Champion Awards honored local changemakers advancing equity and opportunity for Kern County students. The event is supported by the Los Angeles County Office of Education’s GENIUS Initiative, KCSOS, and partners including 21CSLA.
Nine outstanding educators are being recognized for the critical roles they play behind the scenes in Kern County schools. Meet the 2026 Classified Employees of the Year and learn how their work is making a difference for students every day.
A nearly century-old landmark in downtown Bakersfield has been brought back to life—blending rich history, personal memories, and a new purpose for educators across Kern County.
From the time he was barely tall enough to climb onto a mat, Troy Holman was already chasing the gold. Introduced to gymnastics through “Mommy and Me” classes at just three years old, he entered his first competition soon after and never looked back. Troy’s mindset — quiet, singularly focused, determined, and relentlessly forward-looking — has carried him to the very top of his class and his sport. A two-time member of the U.S. Men’s Junior National Team (2023–2024 and 2024–2025), he placed among the top in the nation, earning himself a spot among just a few athletes selected nationwide.
Taft Union High School senior Alaysia Taylor has turned profound loss and life-changing injury into a story of resilience, leadership, and incredible determination.
This April, Kern County joins communities nationwide in observing Child Abuse Prevention Month, bringing together families and organizations to promote safe, supportive environments for children.
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.
