OCDE Newsroom

Former Santa Ana Unified School District Superintendent Jerry Almendarez joins County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean for the latest episode of the Future Current podcast.

FutureCurrent: Integrating AI into educational leadership with former SAUSD Superintendent Jerry Almendarez

Madeline Gray February 24, 2026

Illustrated composite image of diverse children standing and jumping on an open book and a large outstretched hand against a blue sky, with a tree in the background and simple doodle icons like hearts, stars and speech bubbles suggesting learning, support and empowerment.

Vanguard University and OCDE to host conference on threats facing youth

Ian Hanigan February 23, 2026

A Valley High School automotive student works beneath a vehicle during the Auto Academy Saturday Community Garage Service Clinic at the school’s CTE automotive facility.

Weekly roundup: SAUSD students put skills to work at Valley High Community Garage, and more

Vicky Nguyen February 20, 2026

Connections at University High School wrestling team at Willigan Tournament

Connections at University High DHH wrestling team dominates at national deaf wrestling tournament

Nathaniel Martinez February 20, 2026

Casie Hollenbeck (center) stands with a bouquet during a CTE Month recognition visit alongside Jacquelyn Leyva, Steven Kahn, Dr. Jacqueline Cardenas, Chris Alfieri and Machele Kilgore.

OCDE celebrates CTE Month with classroom visits and recognition of 1,200 educators

Vicky Nguyen February 19, 2026

Attendees visit information booths and speak with agency representatives during last year’s countywide transition resource fair, held indoors at the IUSD Learning Center. Tables from community organizations line the room as families gather materials and ask questions about services and employment supports.

OC event to connect students with disabilities and families to employment and community resources

Ian Hanigan February 19, 2026

Quick look: Students with disabilities and their families will gather March 10 in Irvine for the second annual “Empowering Transitions,...

Abner Mares shares his story with students from OCDE's Youth Reporting Center North.

Champion boxer Abner Mares connects with OCDE’s Youth Reporting Center North students through shared experience

Nathaniel Martinez February 17, 2026

Quick look: Former four-time world champion boxer Abner Mares shares his story with students at OCDE’s Youth Reporting Center North....

Volunteers take part in a previous Inside the Outdoors cleanup event at Upper Newport Bay in Newport Beach.

Inside the Outdoors to host volunteer habitat restoration at Ralph B. Clark Regional Park

Vicky Nguyen February 17, 2026

Inside the Outdoors will host a volunteer habitat restoration event at Ralph B. Clark Regional Park on Feb. 21, inviting families and community members to help remove invasive plants and support native ecosystems.

County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean and Sue Parks, president and CEO of Orange County United Way, pose on the set of OCDE’s FutureCurrent podcast.

FutureCurrent: Connecting community and education with Sue Parks

Vicky Nguyen February 17, 2026

Quick look: In the third episode of OCDE’s FutureCurrent podcast, Sue Parks of Orange County United Way reflects on her...

Weekly roundup: Newport-Mesa kindergartner shines in Super Bowl halftime show, and more

Madeline Gray February 13, 2026

As millions of viewers tuned in for the iconic Super Bowl halftime show starring Grammy-winning pop star Bad Bunny on...

Mother and daughter sitting on a couch looking at a smartphone together

OCDE partners with digital safety group for Feb. 26 virtual event on online risks

Ian Hanigan February 12, 2026

OCDE will host a live virtual event on Feb. 26 to help families recognize online red flags and prevent dangerous digital situations. The session, presented with SmartSocial.com, offers practical guidance for parents and educators.

High school students from seven OC school districts connect with future employers at information booths in the Santa Ana College campus quad.

OC high school students get a firsthand look at careers in the arts

Madeline Gray February 10, 2026

Quick look: More than 650 Orange County high schoolers connected with arts employers and educators at the annual College and...

Foundation created by SchoolsFirst and OCDE announces $280,000 in teacher grants

Ian Hanigan February 10, 2026

A nonprofit founded by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and the Orange County Department of Education recently announced the distribution of...

Woodbridge High School wins ninth county Academic Decathlon title in 10 years

Ian Hanigan February 6, 2026

Quick look: Woodbridge High School claimed first place at the 2026 Orange County Academic Decathlon, earning its ninth county title in the past 10 years. More than 560 students competed across three divisions this year, with winners announced Friday night....

Weekly roundup: OCDE, Santa Ana Unified host community screening on career education, and more

Vicky Nguyen February 6, 2026

Students, families, educators and community partners recently gathered at Valley High School for a community screening of the documentary “Multiple Choice,”...