Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a wide range of education bills at the close of the 2025 legislative session, enacting new laws on literacy, school safety, nutrition and student well-being while vetoing several others.
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.
Industry professionals with real-world expertise can now earn a teaching credential through OC Pathways' program, opening the door to share their skills with students while shaping the future workforce.
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.
More than 400 educators and community members attended the Vietnamese American Experiences Model Curriculum Conference Sept. 26–27 in Garden Grove, featuring 26 sessions, three community tours and keynote presentations.
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.
Before kicking off on Oct. 3, the annual S.T.E.A.M. Race to Space Reading Challenge has welcomed three new science-focused partner organizations to offer unique prizes, educational supports and new ways to inspire young readers.
Cypress High School senior Parsmi Rajput and teacher Shelley Hawkins have been named 2025 Bezos Scholars, joining a cohort of just 17 student-educator teams worldwide. Their Community Change Project will focus on creating a resource hub to connect students and families with critical services.
