Student Leadership & Engagement

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Santa Cruz COE) is committed to ensuring that our students have the skills and support to become our next generation of leaders. We want our students to have a vision for themselves and our community, and the tools to manifest it. 

Dr. Faris Sabbah
Dr. Faris Sabbah
Superintendent
Andres Ortiz
Student Leadership & Engagement Coordinator
(831) 466-5713
Verenise Valentin
Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
(831) 466-5909

Our student leadership initiatives provide opportunities for students to develop and practice essential leadership skills such as collaboration, public speaking, self-confidence, critical thinking and civic engagement. Santa Cruz County Student Leadership and Engagement Programs, including the Youth Led Leadership Alliance (YLLA), demonstrate to students the value of public service, personal growth, responsibility, and the power of collective action.  

 

To stay up to date please follow us on Instagram at @sccsstudentleadership.

YOuth Led Leadership Alliance (YLLA)

YLLA group members at inaugural meeting for 2023/24 school year, Santa Cruz County Office of Education.

Through one of our six YLLA leadership groups, students from across the county can engage with like-minded peers and expand their networks as they address some of the most pressing issues facing their communities. What kind of leader are you? 

student resources and county wide student events

2024 Student Trustee Acadeny
Student Trustee Academy Members, Summer of 2024, with instructors Dr. Faris Sabbah, Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools, and Andres Ortiz, Student Leadership and Engagement Coordinator.

Student trustee Academy

The Student Trustee Academy is a summer workshop aimed at preparing high school students from across the county to be student trustees on their respective school boards. 

Over six sessions, students learn the inner workings of a school board and the role they can play in the educational experience of their peers through their position as a student trustee. Under the mentorship of our county superintendent, Dr. Faris Sabbah, participants get a behind the scenes look at local education politics and pick up valuable communication and public speaking skills. 

The 2024 Student Trustee Academy group is scheduled to make their final presentation to the County Board on Thursday, July 18th at 4pm at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. 

Civic Summit

The Civic Summit is a unique non-partisan learning experience meant to deepen the understanding of the local electoral process. Local high school students partake in a full day of learning about the importance of civic engagement and the role of elected officials.

Past Civic Summits

Youth Led Leadership Alliance Now Accepting Students for 2024-25

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is happy to announce that we are now accepting student applications for the Youth Led Leadership Alliance (YLLA) ...

Join the Student Trustee Academy

High school students preparing to become student trustees or with a general interest in district leadership and governance are encouraged to apply to the Student Trustee Academy.  ...
Dr. Faris Sabbah - Featured Image

Our First Student Trustee

Dear community member, Yesterday the Santa Cruz County Board of Education marked a milestone moment. Oscar Alvarez-Delgado, a senior at Pajaro Valley High School, was ...