JUNE 2026 | MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | | |
Dear Orange County Community,
As we close another incredible school year, I want to express my deep appreciation to everyone who makes the work of High School Inc. possible. Thank you to our students for their dedication and perseverance, our teachers and school staff for their support, our parents and families for their partnership, and our business partners, mentors, donors, and volunteers for investing in the success of our future generation.
Because of your support, students across our academies, pathways and programs experienced meaningful mentorship, hands-on learning, internships, leadership opportunities, competitions, and real-world experiences that are preparing them for college, career, and life. Together, we are changing lives and creating brighter futures.
We are also deeply grateful to everyone who attended and supported our 8th Annual Give Gratitude celebration (click here -> photos & recap video). Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, auction participants, volunteers, and guests, we raised more than $90,000 to continue expanding opportunities for students and to support the growth of High School Inc. into additional schools. Your commitment to our mission ensures that even more students will benefit from career-connected learning and the power of community partnerships.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire High School Inc. team, thank you for believing in our students and in the transformative impact of education. We look forward to continuing this important work together in the coming school year.
Congratulations! Class of 2026' | Valley H.S. Graduation | Century H.S. Graduation
Sincerely,
Felix Lugo, MSM, CNP
Executive Director
High School Inc. Academies Foundation
| | High School Inc. Mentorship: Closing the Year with Connection | | |
Our High School Inc. Mentorship program at Valley High School hosted its final session of the 2025–2026 school year. It was a special session that celebrated the connections built between mentors and their mentee groups in such a short time.
Students worked alongside their mentors to create mentorship maps that reflected their group strengths, what they learned, what they still want to explore, and a roadmap for next year’s mentorship sessions. The activity created space for reflection, growth, trust, and meaningful conversation.
We are grateful to Marshall Linn and Antonio Martin for their commitment to showing up for students and building strong relationships with their mentor groups. Mentors and mentees left the session feeling proud of what they created together and excited to continue building on this work next year.
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High School Inc. recognized senior leaders from the Valley and Century Ambassador Programs and the MACC Club with a special Disney Leadership Camp experience. Students had the opportunity to learn leadership the Disney way through the 5 Keys of Excellence: Safety, Courtesy, Efficiency, Show, and Inclusion.
Throughout the day, students reflected on who they are as leaders, identified their core values, recognized leaders who inspire them, and explored how they want to show up for others as they move into adulthood. The experience also gave students time to bond with one another and their staff leaders while celebrating their growth, leadership, and commitment.
| | Ambassador Program: Giving Back to Teachers | | |
Ambassador students from Century and Valley closed out the school year by giving back to the teachers and staff who have poured into them throughout the year.
During Teacher Appreciation Week, students decorated spaces with thoughtful messages and created small moments of gratitude to help teachers feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
Ambassadors also handed out special treats, including coffee, lemonade, and cookies, as a sweet way to say thank you. Each treat was a reminder that great teachers add the perfect blend of encouragement, care, and support to help students grow.
We are proud of our ambassadors for leading with appreciation, kindness, and school spirit.
| Culinary Collaboration: Tortilla Making Experience | |
Valley Culinary students participated in a special tortilla-making experience in partnership with Community Schools. Parent volunteers spent the day teaching students the art, history, and tradition of making fresh tortillas, creating a hands-on learning experience rooted in culture, community, and connection.
Students were impressed by the skill and care our parent volunteers brought into the kitchen; Valley and HSI staff joined in to support and celebrate the collaboration. Intro to Culinary students also put their learning into practice by preparing delicious tacos from breakfast through lunch, along with aguas frescas and flan.
It was a beautiful day of food, partnership, and shared learning. This experience reminded us that when the community comes to the table, students gain more than skills; they gain connection, culture, and memories that last.
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As we wrapped up the school year, we are so thankful to partner alongside the AUHSD Adult Transition Program. These students have been developing work-based skills that will help them thrive in future job settings. It was a pleasure working alongside them to maintain the MACC. They always showed up ready to work with positive attitudes and strong dedication. To celebrate their last day, we had ice cream sundaes to cool off. We look forward to continuing this partnership this upcoming school year.
This past month we had the pleasure of hosting UC Science Project Directors at the MACC. These participants from various Universities across California got to experience hands on jam making from fresh, locally grown strawberries at the MACC. Our UCI Science Project interns spearheaded the lesson and supported the entire jam-making process.
A huge congratulations to our 6 MACC Club scholarship recipients. Their dedication and passion for the MACC create a ripple effect that positively impacts everyone who works alongside them. They dedicated afternoons and weekends to support the MACC's mission and the greater good of their community. To our three graduating seniors, congratulations! We wish you the best on your future endeavors. These students are remarkable and make us all very proud. We can't wait to see all they will achieve in the years ahead.
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As we continue to expand our impact, we invite you to be part of this movement. The MACC is always seeking volunteers to help us grow fresh food for our community.
Join us on Fridays for volunteer days and experience firsthand the incredible work happening on our farm.
We hope to see you at our next farm-to-table dinner and in the fields alongside us soon.
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Cultivating Minds: Educating for Sustainable Growth
Professional Development
Opportunity for K-12 Educators
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Upcoming MACC Farm Events
click here
More information about the
MACC Farm click here
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Preparing Tomorrow’s Healthcare Leaders: A Year of Growth and Achievement in Century High School’s Bio-Med Pathway | |
This year was an amazing year for our BioMedical Science Pathway students and we're very proud of them. Throughout the year, students participated in hands-on learning opportunities, industry visits, guest speaker presentations, competitions, and internship opportunities that connected classroom learning to real-world healthcare careers.
Students visited organizations and campuses such as UCI, the OC Crime Lab, Radys Children’s Hospital, Masimo, Johnson & Johnson, Amgen, Edwards Lifesciences, and the Southern California University of Health Sciences Cadaver Lab. They also learned from healthcare professionals through presentations and Lunch & Learn sessions featuring nurses, physical therapists, and other medical professionals.
This year, four juniors were accepted to work in the Biomedical Department at Radys Children’s Hospital over the summer, while three students applied for internship opportunities with Edwards Lifesciences. Additionally, two students participated in the DNA Competition Essay.
We ended the year with a special luncheon celebrating our first nine seniors who officially became completors of the Biomedical Pathway. We are incredibly proud of all our students and their continued growth, leadership, and passion for the healthcare field.
| Future Business Leaders in Action | |
This past school year our E-Business Academy students grew as future business leaders through hands-on experiences, industry partnerships, competitions, and leadership development opportunities.
Students participated in field trips and leadership experiences including visits to the ICAN Abilities Network to learn about the nonprofit sector, the MACC Farm to explore agriculture and produce industries, UCI Leadership Days, and Leadership Days at the Park.
Throughout the year, students also connected with valuable industry partners including Bank of America, Credit Union partners, SchoolsFirst, and Top Meal Kit Business. Guest speakers such as business entrepreneurs, High School Inc. Board Members, and a CSULB Professor/Culver City Event Manager shared their professional experiences and insights into the business world.
Our students also represented Century High School through Virtual Enterprise competitions across the state and nation. The team competed at the Orange County Regional Competition, Bakersfield State Competition, National Competition in New York, and Sacramento. We are especially proud that our students ranked in the Top 25 nationally at the New York competition.
We are incredibly proud of our E-Business Academy students for their leadership, professionalism, and dedication throughout the school year.
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Last month we wrapped up the school year by celebrating our senior students across all academies and pathways. Seniors were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to their programs. Teachers, partners, and students shared moments of gratitude, encouragement, and reflections on their next steps after graduation.
Students also received certificates recognizing their years of participation in their academy or pathway.
These celebratory luncheons were a special way to honor our seniors and make sure they felt supported, valued, and celebrated as they prepare for what comes next.
| Celebrating the High School Inc. Team | | |
I want to take a moment to acknowledge my incredible High School Inc. team whose passion and commitment make our mission possible.
Jeri Barber, Program Director, provides outstanding leadership and guidance that keeps our programs strong and student-focused.
Carlos Mejia, Academy Coordinator and SAUSD Program Specialist, plays an essential role in connecting our work with our school district partners and ensuring students receive meaningful opportunities.
Sandy Cervantes, Program Manager at Century High School, successfully launched and expanded programs that created valuable experiences and leadership opportunities for students.
Susan Davidson, Program Manager at Valley High School, continues to cultivate strong relationships and provide exceptional support that helps students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Noemi Mendoza, Program Manager for the MACC Farm at Magnolia High School, has helped grow hands-on learning experiences that connect students to agriculture, sustainability, and career exploration.
Jessica Mayder, Marketing Intern, has brought creativity and enthusiasm to sharing the High School Inc. story and increasing awareness of our impact throughout the community.
Together, this dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure students have access to mentorship, career-connected learning, and experiences that prepare them for college, career, and life. I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, heart, and commitment to our students and community.
Thank you for an outstanding year. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the year ahead.
Felix Lugo, MSM, CNP
Executive Director
High School Inc. Academies Foundation
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Business Partner of the Month
University Lab Partners has continued to dedicate its time and support to our Bio Medical students throughout both the Fall and Spring semesters.
This year, they hosted engaging DNA extraction workshops that provided students with valuable hands-on laboratory experience and insight into the biotechnology field. Their continued partnership has been instrumental in enriching our pathway, and we are excited to continue expanding opportunities for our students alongside them next year at Century High School.
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Want to learn more about High School Inc.?
Schedule a VIP Tour where you will be able to see how students lives are transformed on a daily basis.
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Photo on right: Guests touring our Healthcare Academy dental facility at Valley High School
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Supporting the
Next Generation
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Partner with
High School Inc.
| Together: Make A Difference | | | |
We are currently seeking business professionals to join our Advisory Boards.
Your insight and expertise would greatly contribute to helping our students connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.
We welcome all business professionals who want to be part of any of our Academy/Pathway Advisory Boards: Culinary & Hospitality, Healthcare, Automotive, New Media, Global Business, Engineering & Computer Science, Biomedical Science and E-Business.
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We Love to Celebrate Birthdays!
Please let us know when it's your Birthday.
When you sign up you will automatically be entered for a chance to win cool High School Inc. swag (t-shirts, tote bags, mugs, and more...)
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