SUPPORTING LEARNERS OF ALL KINDS
From alternative education to career-technical training, the Santa Cruz COE is committed helping you achieve your educational and career goals. Explore our equity initiatives as well as our academic and extracurricular programs below.
Equity Initiatives
LGBTQ+ Students and Families
Working To Make Santa Cruz County A Model Of Safety & Inclusiveness For LGBTQ Students
Guiding schools and school districts in ways to make all schools safer and more inclusive for LGBTQ students and their families.
Initiative for Racial Equity &Justice
Online Resources & An Ongoing Community
Providing a dynamic hub for educators engaging in courageous conversations about race and equity with each other and their students.
Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program
Improving Educational Outcomes For Students In The Foster Care System
We provide guidance, advocacy, community organization, teaming and collaboration around the issue of school success for students involved in the foster care system.
Students in Transition
Support For Youth & Families Experiencing Homelessness
Our goal is to facilitate and maintain the enrollment of homeless children and youth into comprehensive or alternative public education programs, preschools and other academic enrichment programs.
Sueños Program
South County Program To Support Teens and Young Adults in the Workplace
Sueños helps teenagers and young adults (ages 16 to 24) develop workplace skills that will prepare them to enter and thrive in an increasingly competitive labor market.
Student Support Services
Quality Programs For The Students Of Santa Cruz County
Programs, services and trainings that promote school safety, youth employment/development, supportive services and community partnerships.
School Academic Programs
Alternative Education Programs
For Adolescents Who Have Had Limited Success In Traditional School Settings
Students can receive a high school diploma or prepare for the California High School Proficiency and/or General Education Development (GED) examinations.
Career Advancement Charter
Adult Learners Earn A High School Diploma & Gain Skills For College & Career Readiness
Collaborating with community partners to engage students through work-based, relationship-focused, innovative and welcoming learning experiences.
Career Technical Education Partnerships
Occupational Training In 40 Subjects Within Six Broad Career Pathways
CTEP provides students with the opportunity to acquire academic, career and technical skills and to prepare for life-long learning and success in the changing workplace.
College & Career Collaborative
Increasing Postsecondary Access & Attainment For Students In Santa Cruz County
A partnership of educators, administrators, and counselors including ten K-12 school districts, three colleges, and the County Office of Education.
K-12 Computer Science Initiative
Explore Computer Science
Providing students and educators the tools, exposure, and opportunity to discover the enjoyment and benefits of computer science.
Extracurricular Programs
Academic Competitions
Academic Enrichment Programs & Student Competitions In Santa Cruz County
Competitions & programs for students including spelling bee, math contest, mock trial, science & engineering fair and more.
Student Leadership & Engagement
Committed To Ensuring That Our Students Have The Skills To Become Our Next Leaders
Our initiatives help students to develop essential leadership skills such as strategic and critical thinking, clear communication, and how to set measurable goals.
Other Resources
Financial Resource
K-12 Students Ride the Metro For Free
As of March 1, 2023, with Youth Cruz Free, K-12 students can ride METRO buses for free by just showing their school ID!