OCDE Newsroom

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.

Westminster High School students perform onstage during the Saturday program.

Vietnamese American Experiences Model Curriculum Conference draws more than 400 participants

Vicky Nguyen September 30, 2025

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.

A sound engineer adjusts equipment while a high school student sits with an acoustic guitar in a recording studio.

Orange County high school students invited to submit original songs for USA 250-OC competition

Vicky Nguyen September 29, 2025

Orange County high school students can enter the USA 250-OC Theme Song Competition by submitting an original song of 250 seconds or less in one of eight genres. Top entries will earn cash prizes and be performed at a countywide July 4 celebration.

Weekly roundup: Corona del Mar eighth-grader named Junior Innovators finalist, Brea student to mark TEDx talk milestone, and more

Madeline Gray September 26, 2025

Thirty middle school students nationwide were selected as finalists in the 2025 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge — including...

Dr. Stefan Bean speaks on stage at the SBHIP Partners Appreciation Luncheon

Orange County partners celebrate progress in student mental health

Ian Hanigan September 24, 2025

Orange County education and health leaders gathered to celebrate local progress tied to a statewide initiative that has expanded student mental health services. Speakers pointed to new wellness spaces, added clinicians and stronger referral systems, while pledging to sustain and grow these supports.

Acaciawood Preparatory Academy students Lucas Menendez, left, and Poiema Bernier at school. The pair earned the $2,000 Outstanding Middle School Project Award in the 2025 Discovery Award competition.

Orange County students earn national award for documentary on housing desegregation

Vicky Nguyen September 23, 2025

Two Acaciawood Preparatory Academy students received the $2,000 Outstanding Middle School Project Award in the 2025 Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Discovery Award competition for their documentary on Doss v. Bernal, an early Orange County case that challenged housing segregation.

Fullerton School District students participate in a STEM Nation competition on district-issued iPads during the 2025 FSD Fest.

Weekly roundup: Fullerton School District earns Apple Distinction status for all campuses, report shows gains at community schools, and more

Vicky Nguyen September 19, 2025

The Fullerton School District has become the only district west of Texas to have all of its campuses recognized as...