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Dear Orange County Community,
As we begin the new school year, High School Inc. is excited to celebrate the incredible work accomplished over the summer and share upcoming opportunities that will continue to empower our students, staff, and community partners. Thank you for being part of our mission to build the workforce of tomorrow.
Cultivating Innovation and Inclusion at the MACC Farm
This summer at the Magnolia Agriscience Community Center [MACC Farm] , students from Magnolia High School brought learning to life through hands-on experiences that blended creativity, collaboration, and community impact. Interns from both the Entrepreneurial and Culinary cohorts applied their skills in dynamic projects from crafting business plans and selling products at the Farm Stand to hosting a Farm-to-Table event inspired by longevity-focused Blue Zone regions.
These immersive experiences not only showcased students’ ability to translate classroom knowledge into real-world applications, but also highlighted their growing leadership and innovation.
Joining them for the first time were Workability program interns, who engaged in inclusive workforce development activities designed to build confidence, financial literacy, and essential job skills. Their participation marked an exciting expansion of the MACC’s mission to empower all students through meaningful career pathways.
Together, these young leaders are redefining what it means to learn by doing and we’re proud to support their journey.
Global Business Academy Expands LemonAid Kit Initiative
At Valley High School, the Global Business Academy is building on the momentum of last year’s impactful LemonAid Kit project developed in partnership with TeamKids, MentorShipped, and DoingGoodWorks. This initiative empowered seniors to turn classroom learning into meaningful community action, and its success continues to inspire growth.
This year Business partners are collaborating to broaden the project’s reach, while Academy Advisory members have already begun setting strategic goals and planning for the months ahead. As the fall semester unfolds, students will once again benefit from the guidance of in-class mentors and guest speakers, who will share real-world expertise in communication, leadership, and career readiness.
The Global Business Academy remains committed to cultivating purpose-driven students who are prepared to lead with empathy, innovation, and impact.
Future Health Professionals in Action
Our Healthcare Academy students [Valley High School] and Biomedical Science students [Century High School] are also embarking on an exciting year. This October, 100 students will attend the Rady Children’s [CHOC] Hospital Career Fair to explore careers in medicine and connect with professionals in the field. To further prepare them for the future, a CPR certification component has been added to the Year 2 Biomedical curriculum, and University Lab Partners will deliver hands-on lessons starting this month. Partnerships with industry leaders, including Edward Lifesciences are strengthening advisory efforts, while students look forward to guest speakers visiting in September.
Strengthening Partnerships, Shaping Futures
Academy Advisory members continue to be a vital pillar of our academies, providing invaluable guidance and industry insight. This fall, we’re excited to expand our efforts by welcoming additional Advisors to support both our Engineering & Computer Science and Automotive Academies. To kick off this initiative, we invite you to join us at our Business Partner Recruitment Event on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 at Valley High School. This special gathering will offer opportunities to connect with fellow partners, explore academy programs through guided tours, and gain inspiration from dynamic keynote speakers.
The event will also mark the official launch of our new mentorship program, designed to support students from ninth grade through graduation. This initiative fosters meaningful relationships between students and professionals, helping to shape career pathways and build lasting connections.
We look forward to growing our community of dedicated partners and deepening the impact we make together.
The Power of Mentorship: Driving C-H-A-N-G-E Together
At High School Inc. Academies Foundation, our mission thrives because of dedicated mentors like you. Your commitment and expertise are the heartbeat of our success, helping us shape brighter futures for students across Orange County. Mentors play a vital role in our model for educational and career-readiness excellence. By working alongside students and teachers, you help facilitate real C-H-A-N-G-E - Cultivating Hope, Access, Networks, Growth, and Empowerment in every classroom and beyond. Through your guidance, business professionals and industry leaders provide students with invaluable insights into current trends, workplace expectations, and real-world applications. Whether supporting classroom projects, advising on competitions, or simply sharing your story, you’re helping students build confidence, develop skills, and envision their future.
Most importantly, your mentorship creates meaningful relationships and leaves a lasting impact. You’re not just investing time, you’re investing in lives.
Beyond the Classroom
Leadership and career development opportunities are flourishing. This fall, all CHANGE Academy ninth graders, as well as first-year students in Biomedical Science and E-Business pathways, will attend UCI’s Leadership Camp, where they will build teamwork and leadership skills to apply throughout the school year. Our Bridge to Employment partners have finalized plans for another impactful year, with cohort kickoffs happening this month, and summer interns strengthened their readiness for the future through financial literacy simulations and resume-building workshops led by our College and Career Coach.
Community engagement also remains at the heart of our work. From co-hosting the ACT Anaheim Fall Resource Fair and distributing over 1,000 backpacks through Karina’s Backpack Project, to participating in Councilman Carlos Leon’s Back-to-School Bash, High School Inc. continues to connect with families and provide the resources students need to succeed.
As we move forward, we are energized by the partnerships, dedication, and spirit of collaboration that fuel our mission. This school year promises to be one of growth, discovery, and opportunity, and we are deeply grateful to each of you for making it possible. Together, we are transforming education into opportunity and building the workforce of tomorrow.
In Gratitude,
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