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Dear Orange County Community,
As we welcome October, High School Inc. is excited to celebrate the opportunities that continue to empower our students, staff, and community partners. This season is a reminder of how powerful collaboration can be in building tomorrow’s workforce, today.
Our work this fall reflects the strength of our partnerships. At Century High School, new collaborations with Amgen, the Orange County Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory, and CSULB’s Crime Scene Department are expanding pathways in biotechnology and forensic science. These efforts ensure students have access to real-world experiences that prepare them for in-demand careers.
Across our academies at Valley High School, students are stepping into leadership roles that inspire us all. From Academy Ambassadors proudly representing their school at our Business Partner Recruitment Event, to students gaining confidence through resume workshops, public speaking sessions, and financial literacy programs, we see young leaders ready to embrace every opportunity.
We are also deeply grateful for the dedication of our staff, educators and community members who continue to go above and beyond in preparing students for success. Their commitment, along with the energy of our students, fuels our mission every day.
Looking ahead, October and November bring many exciting events from the Valley High School Performing Arts Center Dedication and Century’s Senior & Junior Conference to our Pumpkin Patch & Día de los Muertos celebration, the Educator Symposium, and Dancing with the Santa Ana Stars, where our very own Board Vice President Paula Garcia-Arsenault will shine on behalf of High School Inc.
Together, with your support, we are creating opportunities that transform education into action.
Thank you for walking alongside us and investing in the future of Orange County youth.
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THANK YOU!
We want to thank the Samueli Foundation again for their support. Last month we were informed we were selected as one of the recipients for The Breakaway Fund which will allow us to strengthen our organization to ensure more effective program delivery that will help us to continue to touch lives through the mission-critical work we love. The first-of-its-kind grantmaking initiative was expanded to $11M from its initial $5M budget because of the urgent community-based need. Thank you for investing in Orange County nonprofits!
| | | Video Recap - Click Here | |
Thank you again to our recent Keynote Speakers who shared their journey at our Business Partner Recruitment Event.
Wing Lam (Wahoo's Fish Taco)
Timshel Tarbet (Timshel Tarbet Consulting)
Karl Hoenecke (Concordia University)
Zack Muchnick (Positive Beverage)
Thank you for sharing your story with us and supporting our youth.
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Special Thank you to our
Academy Student Ambassadors!
Our Academy Student Ambassadors made us proud at the recent Business Partner Event. They stepped up as leaders, engaging with business partners, sharing their own experiences, and representing their academies with confidence and pride.
During lunch, ambassadors actively networked and built connections, and on the tours they stood out by explaining their programs, showcasing what they’ve learned, and highlighting the opportunities their academies provide. Their great attitudes, professionalism, and willingness to lead left a lasting impression. We can’t thank these young people enough for being such strong voices for their academies and for High School Inc. They truly showed what student leadership looks like in action!
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Thank you!, Cynthia
She proudly represented High School Inc. at both Back to School Night and Club Rush, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every interaction. Fearless about putting herself out there, she eagerly asks questions and seeks new ways to grow. Her excitement and motivation shine through as she embraces the many opportunities the Biomedical Science Pathway has to offer at Century High School.
| Century High School Staff Spotlight | | |
Mr. Scott Tsuda
Biomedical Science Teacher
Century High School
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Meet: Mr. Scott Tsuda
Mr. Tsuda has shown outstanding dedication to strengthening the Biomedical Science program at Century High School. Through his hard work, creativity, and commitment, he continues to make meaningful improvements that benefit students and staff alike.
A true team player, Mr. Tsuda is always willing to put in the time and effort to make things happen. He’s not only a great colleague to collaborate with, but he is also constantly seeking new opportunities to grow and bring fresh ideas to the program.
Thank you, Scott, for your passion and drive you are making a lasting impact on the students lives!
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Meet: Ms. Martha Sanchez
Martha is going above and beyond to support Century High School students. Partnering closely with our High School Inc. Program Manager, Sandy. She has worked tirelessly to bring in high-impact workshops that benefit not only our pathway students, but all students at Century.
Her dedication, vision, and commitment to student success make her an invaluable part of our community. Thank you, Martha, for helping open doors of opportunity for every student!
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Ms. Martha Sanchez
Higher Ed. Coordinator
Century High School
| | | Valley High School Staff Spotlight | | |
Ms. Joanna Santiago
Global Business Academy Teacher
Valley High School
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Meet: Ms. Joanna Santiago
As a teacher in the Global Business Academy at Valley High School, Ms. Santiago goes above and beyond to make sure her students are gaining real skills that will help them succeed. She makes sure they’re learning and getting certified on the Spyder Lab equipment and always looks out for opportunities that will benefit them.
She’s also a strong supporter of the High School Inc. program advocating for what it brings to Valley High School Inc. and stepping in to help however she can, from preparing materials to supporting events alongside her students. We’re thankful for the care and commitment she shows every day.
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Driving Career Readiness: High School inc. Resume Workshop Series
The Automotive Academy seniors kicked off the first session of a four-part resume workshop series led by Susan Davidson, our dedicated High School Inc. College & Career Coach. With internships in the automotive industry beginning this October, students are preparing to present themselves as confident, capable professionals and this series is designed to help them do just that.
In the opening session, Susan introduced students to the true purpose of a resume: to market themselves as valuable contributors to a workplace. A key focus was on crafting a strong summary statement, one that communicates what the student can offer an employer, rather than the traditional “objective” statement that centers on what the student wants. This shift in perspective helped students begin building resumes that highlight their skills, experience, and readiness to contribute meaningfully in a professional setting.
With additional sessions in the next month to come, students will continue refining their resumes and gaining the tools they need to stand out in a competitive industry. This workshop series is more than preparation, it’s a launchpad for future automotive professionals.
Stay tuned as we continue to build momentum and drive these students toward success!
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Bridge to Employment:
BTE Kicks Off the Year with Energy and Partnership
Bridge to Employment launched the new school year with an inspiring kickoff event that brought together more than 60 engaged students. Thanks to our amazing partners at Child Creativity Lab, students from both the Junior and Senior cohorts took part in a hands-on team-building activity that sparked creativity and collaboration.
Our students are eager to dive into the year ahead, with a busy fall season filled with resume workshops, college application support, and field trips with Johnson & Johnson. With the support of partners like Johnson & Johnson, UCI, and High School Inc., BTE is kicking off in the right direction, ensuring our students are prepared for success beyond graduation.
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Finding Their Voice: Public Speaking Workshop with Coach Rob
The Automotive Academy seniors recently had the privilege of learning from one of our valued business partners, Coach Rob, in a dynamic and energizing workshop focused on public speaking. As these students prepare for internships in the automotive industry this October, Coach Rob’s session was a powerful reminder that technical skills alone aren’t enough and that communication is key.
Coach Rob led students through engaging activities designed to build confidence, clarity, and presence. With an impromptu speaking challenge, students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and discover the power of their own voices. His approachable style and interactive methods kept students actively involved, transforming nervous energy into self-assurance.
By the end of the session, students weren’t just speaking, they were connecting. Coach Rob helped them understand that effective communication can open doors, build trust, and set them apart in any professional setting. His workshop laid a strong foundation for the career readiness series and gave students a valuable skill they’ll carry with them far beyond the classroom.
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Building Financial Confidence: Automotive Academy Welcomes Santa Ana Federal Credit Union
As part of their career readiness journey, Automotive Academy seniors recently participated in a financial literacy workshop led by a guest speaker Gabriel Orozco, Business Development and Financial Education Manager with Santa Ana Federal Credit Union. With internships in the automotive industry just around the corner, this session came at the perfect time to equip students with essential knowledge to manage their finances as they step into the working world.
The workshop covered key topics such as budgeting, saving, understanding paychecks, and making smart financial decisions. Through relatable examples and interactive discussions, students gained practical tools to help them navigate real-life financial situations with confidence.
By learning how to take control of their financial futures, students are now better prepared to make informed choices and build healthy money habits that will serve them well beyond their internships.
We’re grateful to Santa Ana Federal Credit Union for their partnership and commitment to supporting our students’ success on the job and in life.
| | | High School Inc. Staff Spotlight | | |
Ms. Jeri Barber
Program Director
High School Inc. Academies Foundation
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Meet: Ms. Jeri Barber
As Program Director at High School Inc., Ms. Barber has been working tirelessly to deliver high-quality programs across all three of our sites: Valley, and Century High School in Santa Ana and Magnolia High School in Anaheim. She ensures that students have access to real-world learning opportunities, meaningful industry connections, and events that bring their career pathways to life.
Jeri is also a strong advocate for our mission, collaborating with teachers, counselors, and business partners to make sure every program runs smoothly and benefits our students. Whether it’s coordinating certifications, supporting large-scale events, or helping connect classrooms to industry mentors, she always goes above and beyond.
We are truly grateful to have Jeri as part of the High School Inc. team and thankful for the dedication, care, and commitment she brings to our students every day.
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NEW PARTNERSHIPS!
We’re proud to share that Century has formed several incredible new partnerships to expand opportunities for our students!
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Amgen – a world-renowned leader in biotechnology, is now supporting our efforts to inspire the next generation of innovators.
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CSULB Crime Scene Department – this partnership will open doors for our students to learn more about industry-recognized certifications, with the long-term goal of helping them enroll in these programs or accelerate their path toward certification.
Our expansion to Century High School is to connect students with real-world experiences that prepare them for the future. These new collaborations bring us one step closer to ensuring every student has access to the tools, knowledge, and opportunities needed to succeed in high-demand careers.
| | Scan to partner with High School Inc. | |
Be Part of It!
We believe in the power of partnerships. Join us in creating pathways, opportunities, and brighter futures. Together, we can empower youth and strengthen the communities we serve.
Engage, Empower and Invest in our
Future Generation
Make a difference today!
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Dedication Ceremony for
New Performing Arts Center at
Valley High School
Join the Santa Ana Unified School District for the Dedication Ceremony of Valley High School’s new Performing Arts Center!
Come celebrate this exciting milestone with student performances, a ribbon-cutting, and a first look at our brand-new facility!
Date: October 6, 2025
Time: Student Performances begin:
4:15 PM | Ribbon Cutting at 4:30 PM
Location: Valley High School, 1801 S. Greenville St., Santa Ana, CA 92704
Please RSVP by October 3, 2025
Click Here
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Century High School
presents...
Senior & Junior Conference
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
We’re excited to invite professionals from across industries to join us for our Senior Conference and Junior Conference. This is a unique opportunity for our students to connect directly with you asking questions, gaining career insights, and learning first-hand about the paths that lead to success. Your presence can inspire the next generation of leaders and help them envision their own future careers.
We are seeking volunteers to serve as:
- Career Presenters- Session 4 & 5
- Alumni from different industries
- College Rep Tabling- Session 6 and lunch
- Support the Counseling Team during Session 1-3
Your participation will make a lasting impact by motivating and guiding our students as they prepare for their next steps.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact: marta.sanchez@sausd.us.
We will be having a run-through in person or online Oct 2, 2025 11am-12pm in room 406 or via Zoom (click here)
Thank you for supporting our students and helping them imagine the unimaginable!
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Automotive Academy
Community Garage + Service Clinic
Our Automotive Academy students are excited to relaunch the Saturday Community Garage Service Clinic on October 18, 2025 8:30am-12:30pm at Valley High School. This initiative provides students with valuable, hands-on industry training while giving back to the community by offering free auto inspections and repair services to families in the Santa Ana Unified School District.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or contributing an in-kind donation to help with the Auto Community Garage Service Clinics, please contact us at info@highschoolinc.org or
call (714) 241-6592.
Click Here for more information.
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Pumpkin Patch & Día de los Muertos
at the MACC Farm!
Join us on October 24th from 4:00pm–7:30pm for an evening of fall fun and cultural celebration. Enjoy a corn maze, photo booth, face painting, free games, dance performances, and more—all while celebrating Día de los Muertos traditions. Bring your family and friends to 2450 W Ball Rd for this free community event!
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Join us at the Educator Symposium on November 1, 2025, where High School Inc. will share their expertise as a workshop presenter and connect with attendees as an exhibitor.
When: Saturday, November 1 | 8:00am – 2:00pm
Where: TGR Learning Lab, 1 Tiger Woods Way, Anaheim, CA 92801
This dynamic day is designed for K–12 in-school and out-of-school educators. It will be packed with:
- Hands-on, interactive workshops
- A resource fair
- Networking opportunities
- Open driving range during/after lunch (yes, really!)
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The Greater Santa Ana Vitality Foundation proudly presents Dancing with the Santa Ana Stars on November 8, 2025, an exciting community event that brings together local leaders, influencers, and changemakers for an unforgettable evening of dance, philanthropy, and celebration. Guests will enjoy dynamic performances from Santa Ana’s “stars,” each paired with a professional partner, as they take the stage to raise funds for education, career readiness, and nonprofit initiatives that strengthen the Santa Ana community.
This year, we are especially proud to recognize our fellow High School Inc. Vice President Board Member, Paula Garcia-Arsenault, who will be representing High School Inc. Academies Foundation on the dance floor.
With over 30 years of experience in banking and nonprofit leadership, Paula is known for her deep commitment to serving the Santa Ana community. Every dollar she raises above the $2,000 event cost will directly benefit High School Inc., supporting career-focused academies that provide our students with hands-on experiences and pathways to higher education and future careers.
Thank you Paula!
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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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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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