SBCSS News and Press Releases

Alliance For Education Secures $286,898 Federal Earmark

2008-10-23

SAN BERNARDINO - The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools' Alliance for Education program recently was awarded a $286,898 federal earmark for two years to be used for its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative.

The earmark will be used to expand the countywide STEM initiative at the Yucaipa High School Ninth Grade Campus and Yucaipa High School. The two sites will create a comprehensive academy and career technical program of study, following STEM/pre-engineering models.

"We certainly are pleased with the federal earmark to help expand our STEM program," said Leslie Rodden, director of the County Schools' Higher Education and Workforce Development unit. "The Alliance's goal with STEM is to increase opportunities for our county students to pursue higher education and careers in math and science."

Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) announced that the federal earmark had been secured through the U.S. Department of Education on Sept. 24.

The Alliance for Education has existing STEM programs at the following high schools in San Bernardino County: Barstow, Chaffey, Don Lugo, Eisenhower, Silverado, Upland and Victor Valley.

The Alliance for Education began more than five years ago by the County Schools office to build an educational and workforce preparation system for students. More than 1,500 leaders in business, labor, government, education, community and faith-based groups have partnered with the Alliance to advance the attainment of academic and workforce skills of students and young adults and prepare them as a qualified labor pool for San Bernardino County employers.

The Alliance for Education employs cutting-edge approaches to strengthen standards-based and academically rigorous curriculum by integrating hands-on learning opportunities offered by its partners. The Alliance consists of three system components that are designed to prepare an educated and skilled workforce: education, family involvement, and economic/workforce development.

For more information concerning the Alliance for Education, contact Rodden at (909) 386-2636 or via email at leslie_rodden@sbcss.k12.ca.us.