Association of California School Administrators Region 17 recognizes innovative programs aimed at lowering high school drop out rate and increasing students’ life-long success
Irvine, CA, May 9, 2019 – Orange County United Way has been selected by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 17 as the recipient of the 2019 Partners in Educational Excellence Award. United Way was chosen for its “exemplary school-community partnership” with Anaheim Union High School District (AUHD) that has yielded profound positive impacts on student achievement and learning.
United Way has significantly invested in Anaheim Union High School District’s Anaheim Collaborative for Higher Education since 2014 and has helped pioneer the creation of 21st century learning opportunities like Anaheim Innovative Mentoring Experience (AIME), now one of the district’s marquee programs where more than 1,500 students participate annually in work-based learning experiences and internships with 50 corporate partners at leading Orange County companies. Utilizing its connections and vast network of business and industry leaders, United Way also provides AUHSD students with career exploration opportunities such as career speakers, industry site visits, teacher externships and teacher industry learning panels.
“We are tremendously honored to be recognized for our work to improve the educational outcomes of students in Anaheim Union High School District,” said Sergio Contreras, Senior Director of Education and Healthy Schools, Orange County United Way. “These students deserve every opportunity for a quality education and we are proud to advocate on their behalf and provide transformational resources to help them achieve success in school, and ultimately in life.”
With the highest high school dropout rate in the county at 7.1%, according to the recently released Conditions of Children in Orange County Report, United Way prioritized allocation of resources and support to the district.
With United Way’s support, the Anaheim Union High School District created AIME’s summer internship program for students looking for first-hand, real world experience at a variety of jobs. The innovative program includes dual enrollment credits where students receive both college and high school credit for participation in the program. In addition to learning workability skills such as dressing professionally, time management, speaking articulately and carrying themselves confidently in a work setting, students also receive a $599 college scholarship. More than 120 students are placed into exciting internships every summer.
United Way has also implemented its Destination Graduation program in Anaheim Union High School District. The education program is aimed at reducing the local high school dropout rate and bridging the achievement gap and includes teacher training and parent engagement classes, career exploration opportunities, and more.
United Way’s support of Anaheim Union High School District is part of its larger, countywide education goal – ensuring all Orange County youth get a quality education and are ready for 21st century careers.
2019 marks the 47th year the ACSA is recognizing outstanding members of the Orange County community for their work in promoting educational excellence.
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY
Today’s Orange County United Way is doing more for the Education, Health, Housing and Financial Stability of every person in Orange County. More than a fundraiser, we’re hands-on, delivering more than 50 Community Impact programs countywide. We focus on long-term solutions to the most critical interconnected challenges facing local children and families. United Way is doing more to make long-term measurable difference in the lives of children and families right here in Orange County. To learn more or do more with us, visit www.unitedwayoc.org.
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Media Contact: Nicole Morrison, nmorrison@cornerstonecomms.com, (949) 200-6110
