Student Enrichment Programs
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education sponsors several academic enrichment programs and student competitions throughout the year.
Language Ambassadors Student Recognition Program
Language Ambassador recognition will be granted to students in TK/kinder, third, fifth and eighth grade who complete a number of activities throughout the year in a language other than English. The activities ask student to learn, interact and create. By engaging in these activities, students develop the skills and interest in language learning needed to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy at the conclusion of high school. By participating in the program, students build competency for local and global citizenship.
Contact Information
Sita Kaimal, Coordinator
(831) 466-5847 | Email
Math Contest
The 2023 Math Contest will occur the morning of Saturday, May 6 2023, and offer students in grades 5-8 the opportunity to participate in advanced and thought-provoking mathematics in a social and competitive atmosphere. Students will participate in both a Team Competition, and an Individual Competition, and medals will be awarded to individuals and teams in grades 5-8.
Contact Information
Kevin Drinkard, Math Contest Coordinator
(831) 466-5821 | Email
Laurie Stewart, Math Contest Administrative Assistant
(831) 466-5802 |
Mock Trial
Mock Trial Competition takes high school students to the heart of the justice system. Students acquire critical thinking skills and an in-depth understanding of our judicial process as they study a hypothetical case, conduct legal research, and role play at the trial. Mock Trial is a partnership with the Constitutional Rights Foundation and the Santa Cruz legal community which emphasizes the development of students’ analytical and critical thinking skills.
Contact Information
Sita Kaimal, Mock Trial Coordinator
Poetry Out Loud County Competition
February 13, 2024, location: Bookshop Santa Cruz
Poetry Out Loud is a nationwide program, originally created by the National Endowment for the Arts, that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance, culminating at the national finals in Washington D.C. Students compete for awards, scholarships, and prizes. County winners compete at the California Poetry Out Loud State Finals in Sacramento. One student will be selected to compete at the National Finals. Check out poetryoutloud.org for detailed information.
Contact Information
Audrey Sirota, Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator
(831) 466-5827 | Email
Santa Cruz County STEAM EXPO
The Santa Cruz County STEAM Expo provides a competitive academic opportunity for students in grades 4-12. Students design individual or team science projects and compete for awards, scholarships, and prizes. Top award winners represent Santa Cruz County at the California State Science Fair located at the California Science Center, Los Angeles, CA, and the International Science and Engineering Fair.
Contact Information
Heather Wygant, Science Coordinator
(831) 466-5727 | Email
Spelling Bee
January 20, 2024, location: UCSC Classroom Units 1 and 2
In partnership with Newspapers in Education/The Sentinel and UCSC, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education coordinates the annual Spelling Bee. Students in grades 4-6 and 7-9 compete locally. Winners from each grade level go to regional and state competitions.
Contact Information
Sita Kaimal, Academic Events Coordinator
(831) 466-5600 | Email
Laurie Stewart, Spelling Bee Administrative Assistant
(831) 466-5802 | Email
Student Authors’ Fair
May (tbd) 2023, location: Del Mar Elementary School
Sponsored by the Santa Cruz Reading Association and the Santa Cruz COE, the Student Authors’ Fair encourages students to write and illustrate their own books. Students are recognized by the community during the Authors’ Fair. There is no judging or censorship at the Fair. Every book entered receives an Award Certificate. High quality and exciting displays of students’ writing are encouraged. Be creative!
Contact Information
Barbara Huebner, Multilingual Achievement Coordinator
(831) 466-5807 | Email
Save the Dates for our Spring Student Events!
Virtual Math Festival Engages Students
