OCDE Newsroom

Innovation Funding Initiative officially launches, offering up to $525,000 for bold ideas in OC schools

Ian Hanigan December 3, 2025

OCDE’s Innovation Funding Initiative launches today, inviting districts to apply for up to $525,000 to bring innovative, student-centered ideas to life. Applications are open through Jan. 30, 2026.

Dr. Bean: On gratitude, community and lifting others up

Stefan Bean November 25, 2025

If you’ve heard me speak this year, you know I often talk about what it means to lift others up....

Introducing the Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation: New nonprofit to bolster support for students

Ian Hanigan November 18, 2025

An independent foundation has launched to help expand educational opportunities for students across the county. The Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation will be led by David Blair, who brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience.

As OCDE’s Innovation Funding Initiative prepares to launch, districts are invited to subscribe for updates

Ian Hanigan November 4, 2025

OCDE’s Innovation Funding Initiative launches next month, but districts can sign up now to receive updates on key dates, announcements and opportunities tied to the new program.

OCDE invites feedback through annual Educational Partner Survey

Ian Hanigan October 20, 2025

How can OCDE better serve the students, schools and districts of Orange County? That’s the question at the heart of...

OCDE names 12 Orange County Impact Schools that will help share and scale best practices

Ian Hanigan October 13, 2025

OCDE has named a dozen campuses as Orange County Impact Schools, recognizing sites that are leading with innovative practices making a difference for students. The program is designed to foster collaboration and spread effective strategies.

Eighth-grade students from Valadez Middle School Academy read "Piper Chen Sings" with first graders from Melrose and Rio Vista elementary schools during the 15th annual Read for the Record event on Oct. 26, 2024. The celebration, part of a worldwide literacy campaign, promotes the importance of early reading and language development.

OC students outperform peers statewide, nearing pre-pandemic levels in English

Vicky Nguyen October 9, 2025

Orange County students once again outperformed their state and regional peers on California’s annual assessments, with English language arts scores nearly returning to pre-pandemic levels and similar gains in math and science.

OCDE to launch Innovation Funding Initiative to fuel bold ideas in OC school districts

Ian Hanigan October 1, 2025

OCDE is launching the Innovation Funding Initiative to invest in bold ideas from Orange County school districts that address unmet needs and strengthen student outcomes. Districts may apply beginning Dec. 3 for awards of up to $525,000 to support three-year projects, with the first grantees expected to be announced in early 2026.

A graduate in a red cap and gown receives a medal and framed certificate on stage during CCPA’s June 2025 graduation ceremony

OCDE program offers adult learners a new pathway to a high school diploma — and it’s free

Ian Hanigan September 17, 2025

College and Career Preparatory Academy, OCDE's free charter school for students ages 16 to 25, has launched a new 155-credit graduation pathway for adult learners that maintains academic rigor while making diplomas more attainable.

Participants visit vendor tables during the inaugural Thrive Resource Fair in 2024, hosted by the Orange County Department of Education.

OCDE’s Thrive Resource Fair to connect school staff with tools and services in September

Vicky Nguyen September 4, 2025

Quick look: More than 60 vendors will take part in OCDE’s second annual Thrive Resource Fair on Sept. 25 at...

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