an Independent Study Program for Adult Learners
The Career Advancement Charter (CAC) is an Independent Study program for adult learners to earn their high school diploma while gaining academic and technical skills that will lead to college and career readiness.
As part of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, the CAC collaborates with community partners to achieve this mission by engaging students through work-based, relationship-focused, innovative and welcoming learning experiences.
The CAC serves students ages 18 and older who have not yet obtained a high school diploma. All services are free and programs are provided in multiple locations within Santa Cruz County.
If you are interested in being a student or have some questions, please fill out the student interest form below.
Outcomes
The Career Advancement Charter will seek to support students in achieving the following outcomes:
- Attainment of a high school diploma
- Successful transition to community college
- Successful transition to family-sustaining employment
How It Works
The Career Advancement Charter (CAC) is an Independent Study high school diploma program for adults who are looking to further their education, career and life opportunities. Our team works with you, in a supportive and engaging environment to give you a quality educational experience. We offer daytime and evening hours for the working adult student, understanding that every student is unique and reaches success differently. We are able to work directly with you to match high school credits with your career experiences and explorations. The CAC provides an individualized, flexible approach to your education and in obtaining your high school diploma.
To be successful at CAC, students attend a weekly progress check-in meeting and complete a minimum of 20 hours of schoolwork every week.
Teachers and support staff will also provide additional educational opportunities collaborating with programs such as pathways in career technical education, Cabrillo dual-enrollment, and many more community connections!
| Credits | Subject |
|---|---|
| 30 | English |
| 10/10 | Math/Algebra |
| 10 | US History |
| 10 | World History |
| 5/5 | Gov/Econ |
| 10 | Life Science |
| 10 | Physical Science |
| 10 | Fine Arts |
| 20 | P.E. |
| 50 | Career Exploration/Electives |
| 180 | TOTAL |
To graduate from the CAC you need 180 high school credits. A student can earn a maximum of 45 credits in one semester. In any one subject, students can earn a maximum of 10 credits per subject per quarter.
If you are interested in our program please bring in a copy of your most recent high school transcript to get started on your path to graduation!
Opening Dates and Locations
The CAC is currently based at five locations throughout Santa Cruz County. Two locations are at the school sites of Sequoia Schools in Watsonville and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, which both house academic and career technical education programs provided by the Santa Cruz County Alternative Education Department. Two locations are in the locked facilities of Rountree in Watsonville and the Main Jail in Santa Cruz. Lastly, one location is at the Santa Cruz County Probation Services Center where students also have access to a computer lab.
CAC currently provides services at the following locations:
- Sequoia Schools, 229 Green Valley Rd., Freedom, CA 95019
- Santa Cruz County Office of Education, 399 & 400 Encinal St., Santa Cruz CA 95060
- Rountree Facility, 90 Rountree Ln., Watsonville, CA 95076
- Main Jail Facility, 259 Water St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Blaine St. Facility, 141 Blaine St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Probation Success Center, 303 Water St. #100, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Watsonville Probation Success Center, 2007 Freedom Blvd, Freedom, CA 95019
If you are interested in being a student or have questions, please fill out the student interest form above.
Reports
