NSTogether

Connect * Collaborate * Contribute

Issue 41 | September 2025

Welcome to NSTogether, our quarterly newsletter to keep you informed about the K-16 Collaborative work happening all over the North State region.

In this issue, we're spotlighting new programs and grants as well as voices from the field, with our directors sharing what they've learned and how it connects to our regional efforts.

North Star Deep Roots Award Winner

Since 2009, Expect More Tehama has worked tirelessly to strengthen educational opportunities and outcomes for students and families across Tehama County. Rooted in collaboration and a vision for a brighter future, the organization has become a driving force for change in the region.

This commitment was recently recognized by the North Star Regional Technical Assistance Center (RTAC), which awarded Expect More Tehama the North Star Deep Roots Award. RTAC highlighted this accomplishment in their newsletter, showcasing the organization’s long-standing impact and regional leadership.

As the RTAC article noted, Expect More Tehama’s efforts demonstrate how rural communities can lead the way in designing and sustaining Community Schools. Their work serves as a model not only for Tehama County but for the broader North State region and beyond.

Community Efforts to Support Literacy

On September 4, 2025, North State Together’s Director of Planning and Development attended a screening of Sentenced at the historic Cascade Theatre in Redding. This free community event, hosted by Reach Higher Shasta, also celebrated Shasta County’s launch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides books free of charge for children ages 0-5.

Produced by Stephen and Ayesha Curry in partnership with the Children’s Literacy Project, Sentenced shines a stark light on America’s literacy crisis. The documentary weaves together the stories of children and adults who struggle with reading—revealing the deep, generational impact illiteracy has on families and communities. Today, an estimated 43 million U.S. adults read at or below a third-grade level, and two-thirds of children who are not proficient by the end of fourth grade will end up either on welfare or in the justice system. Through its personal narratives and sobering statistics, the film underscores that illiteracy is not confined to one region or demographic but a widespread issue that demands urgent attention.

The screening was followed by a panel discussion on literacy in Shasta County, moderated by Superintendent of Schools Mike Freeman. Panelists included Julia Parsons, Library Director of Shasta Public Libraries; Molly Stimpel, Senior Project Coordinator for Adult and Extended Education at Shasta College; Michelle Curran, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Reading Pals; and Stephanie Byars, Director of Literacy Support for the Shasta County Office of Education. Together, they shared local insights and highlighted collaborative efforts to strengthen literacy across the county.

If you would like to help out locally, you can volunteer to be a reading pal by committing one hour per week to help a child read. Students enrolled in Reading Pals gain 1 year of literacy skills in just 4 months, proving the effectiveness of this community-based program.

NatureBridge in Yosemite: School Visits

North State Together recently joined The McConnell Foundation (TMF) on the road to promote the long-standing NatureBridge in Yosemite Program. NST Program Director Onica Mello, alongside TMF personnel Ana Bachman and Kelly Salter, visited 29 of the approximately 60 eligible schools across TMF’s five-county service region.

For 36 years, this unique program has given public high school sophomores and juniors in the North State the

View of Mt. Shasta during the team’s 1,000-mile journey to visit 29 high schools across Northern California.

chance to spend five days in the iconic Yosemite Valley. Students participate in 30+ hours of immersive field education and guided hikes led by NatureBridge instructors—highly skilled educators in biology, natural resources, outdoor education, conservation, and other pertinent fields of study.

Onica Mello (left), with Ana Bachman (right), stopped in at Alpine Drive Inn for some ice cream and came across a magazine article about the NatureBridge in Yosemite Program.

Applications for the 2026 NatureBridge in Yosemite Program, scheduled for March 29 – April 3, will open in November 2025 for both students and school personnel chaperones.

This year also marks a special transition, as Ana Bachman prepares for retirement in 2026 after excellently coordinating the program for 21 years. Shasta College's North State Together is honored to carry forward this life-changing opportunity for students, with funding continuing from The McConnell Foundation.

For more information, please contact Program Director Onica Mello at omello@shastacollege.edu.

Community Schools Leadership Gathering

From August 27–29, 2025, North State Together’s Director of Planning and Development joined the North Star Regional Technical Assistance Center (RTAC) for Community Schools’ County Community School Lead (CCSL) Learning & Development session in Crescent City. This first in-person convening of the new program year welcomed new CCSLs and offered time for reflection, planning, and connection.

Throughout the convening, participants engaged in collaborative activities designed to strengthen regional partnerships, clarify shared commitments, and plan for the year ahead. CCSLs exchanged strategies, signed up for leadership roles, and worked together on topics ranging from family engagement to program communication. The gathering concluded with local site visits, providing a chance to see community schools in action.

Above: Left to Right: Eugenio Tapia, JoNell Amacker, Esther Craig, Amanda Cloud, Jamie Alexander, Lisa Howard, Michelle Line, Sarah Stockwell, Felicia Doherty, Wendy Hall, Rosemary Mitchell, Corinne Ewing

Below: Sunset High School Site Visit - Left to Right: Eugenio Tapia, Wendy Hall, Esther Craig, Mele Benz, Lisa Howard, Chris Kinney, Sarah Stockwell, Jamie Alexander, Amanda Cloud

This session emphasized the power of peer learning and collaboration to advance Community Schools across Northern California.

A Fond Farewell to Susan Schroth

At the end of this year, we will say a heartfelt goodbye to Susan Schroth, North State Together’s Director of GRAD Partnership, as she begins her well-earned retirement. Susan’s last working day will be October 31, 2025, with her official retirement starting January 1, 2026.

Susan’s career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to education and community. With over 16 years of experience in local schools and her leadership role at Shasta College and North State Together, Susan has championed initiatives that strengthen cradle-to-career pathways across our ten-county network. From dual enrollment and Career Technical Education to her work guiding the GRAD Partnership, her efforts have expanded opportunities for countless students and families in the North State.

Left to Right: Billy Miller, Chloe Lopez, Onica Mello, Corinne Ewing, Susan Schroth, Arlene Miranda, Kevin O'Rorke, Amy Speakman, Diane Taylor, Andrew Fitzhugh, Derrick Pringle, and James Crandall

Colleagues and partners know Susan as someone who “knows no strangers.” Her ability to connect with people, build relationships, and make others feel welcomed has been just as impactful as her professional accomplishments. Whether collaborating on complex initiatives or chatting with community members, she approaches every interaction with warmth, authenticity, and care.

As a first-generation Chicana college graduate, Susan has also been a strong advocate for underrepresented and disadvantaged students. She has inspired many by sharing her own educational journey and encouraging others to believe in their potential.

Susan’s story and legacy were recently honored by the Rural Schools Collaborative in their feature Honoring Susan Schroth.

We are deeply grateful for Susan’s leadership, heart, and dedication to this work. Please join us in celebrating her incredible contributions and wishing her the very best in retirement.

California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC): Digital Literacy Grant

North State Together, in partnership with the Rural Prosperity Center (RPC) and the North State Planning and Development Collective (NSPDC), is excited to launch free digital literacy and online resource trainings for residents in rural communities. These trainings are designed with our communities in mind, offered in English and Spanish to ensure meaningful and accessible support. Sessions will be held virtually, with select in-person opportunities across the North State region. This initiative is made possible through funding from the California Public Utilities Commission.

The grant period runs from June 2025 through June 2027, and the project is currently in its ramp-up phase as the development team finalizes course schedules, fliers, and FAQs. Regional offerings will officially begin in October 2025.

Planned courses include:

• Digital Navigation Skills (Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced)
• Money Matters: Digital Finance
• Digital Health & Wellness
• Digital Tools for Entrepreneurs
• Digital Marketing & Social Media
• AI Prompting: Basic Skills

A training calendar, showing virtual offerings through July 2026, is currently in development. Registration is now available, for October’s courses: Money Matters: Digital Finance (beginning Monday, October 6) and Digital Navigation Skills – Advanced (beginning Tuesday, October 7).

Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Northern California Educators

The University of Arkansas, in partnership with the Shasta County Office of Education, is offering a Northern California cohort for educators pursuing their Ed.D. This affordable, fully online program is designed for working professionals and can be completed in 3–4 years. Total program cost is just $21,000.

Eligibility Highlights:

• Master’s degree required (no specific field)
• No teaching credential or PPS required
• Open to K–12, higher ed, and other professionals
• Shasta College employees and Shasta County residents are welcome to apply

Virtual Program Info Session:

October 14th, 2025 @ 4-5pm

Admission Deadline: February 2026

For more information about the Northern California cohort email Ryan Miller

Grants in Place: Expanding Place-Based Education in Rural Communities

The Grants in Place program from Rural Schools Collaborative supports educators and schools in bringing place-based learning to life in their communities. These grants fund hands-on projects that connect students to the unique culture, history, and environment of their rural region—helping them see the value of where they live while building skills for the future.

Applications for the 2025–26 cycle are now open, and Rural Schools Collaborative has also announced an exciting new three-year grant that will expand the Grants in Place program, allowing more rural schools and communities to benefit.

STEM Career Day 2025: 12th Annual Ignite Opportunity STEM Career Day

This year’s Ignite Opportunity STEM Career Day will bring together approximately 1,400 9th-grade students from nine North State counties to explore dynamic careers in STEM. With this year’s focus on agriculture and technology, students will engage directly with local professionals, businesses, and colleges to learn how STEM connects to real-world opportunities in our region. Through hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and inspiring presentations, students will discover tools to help them plan for their future education and careers—igniting curiosity and expanding their vision of what’s possible.

Exhibitors: Don’t miss this chance to inspire the next generation. 

REGISTER HERE and consider bringing hands-on, highly engaging activities and materials to your booth. The deadline for exhibitor registration is November 1st.

Sponsorship Opportunities: This event is free for all attendees, but sponsorships are welcome to help make this day possible.

Want to see what it’s all about? Watch last year's STEM Career Day video HERE and join us in making a difference!

DATE: Friday, November 21, 2024

TIME: 9:00 AM – 2:10 PM

LOCATION: Shasta District Fair and Event Center, 1890 Briggs St, Anderson, CA 96007

University Connection

Navigating University Events

This section is your guide to exciting events and opportunities at UC Davis and CSU Chico! Whether it's workshops, conferences, networking events, or student engagement activities, this section keeps you informed about ways to connect, learn, and grow. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to engage with these universities and make the most of their resources!

7 & 21 Oct. 2025

Talking About Career Opportunities (TACO)

Tuesday Webinar Series

The University of California’s Outreach and Educational Partnerships (OEP) invites high school and community college students to join their Talking About Career Opportunities (TACO) Tuesday webinar series. These interactive sessions provide students with the chance to explore career pathways and discover UC resources to support their journeys.

The series will be held 1–2 times every other month throughout the academic year, with each session featuring interactive panels of advisors, current students, and alumni who share real-world experiences and practical tips for success.

October’s theme, Caring with Purpose, will focus on careers in the health professions:

• Exploring Careers in Nursing - October 7
• Exploring Careers in Medicine/Health Professions - October 21

Each webinar runs from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. PST. If you can’t attend live, be sure to register to receive a recording of the webinar.

For questions or additional details, please email: oep@ucop.edu

18 Oct. 2025

Pre-Health Conference at UC Davis

This one-day, in-person conference offers community college, university, and post-baccalaureate students, as well as pre-health advisors, a unique opportunity to explore the health professions admission process. Attendees will connect directly with deans of admission, financial aid officers, faculty, and staff from a wide variety of professional schools, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical and occupational therapy, optometry, physician assistant programs, and more.

15 Nov. 2025

(Deadline)

AvenueM applications cycle for the 2025-2026 academic year

AvenueM is a community college to medical school pathway program that supports students with the passion and potential to pursue a career in medicine. The program provides mentorship, MCAT prep, and a clear roadmap to help navigate the path to medical school.

Students early in their community college journey or planning to transfer in Fall 2026 or later are encouraged to apply. Applications are open now!

1 Oct. 2025

(Deadline)

Spring 2026 Teaching Credential Applications Open

The CSU Chico School of Education is now accepting applications for its Spring 2026 Teacher Credential Programs through October 1, 2025. In partnership with 74 Northern California school districts, the program prepares future TK–12 teachers to serve both in rural and urban classrooms. Applications are due by October 1, 2025.

For questions, please email: credentials@csuchico.edu

11 Oct. 2025

Discover Chico State at Wildcat Preview

CSU Chico invites prospective students and their families to its largest open house of the year. Wildcat Preview offers campus tours, academic program showcases, and opportunities to meet faculty, staff, and students, plus learn about admissions, financial aid, and campus life.

Good Reads

Reading literacy has long been a focus for North State Together as we track outcomes and seek ways to improve literacy rates in our region. This article from Partners for Rural Impact, Turning the Page on Our Literacy Crisis Will Require All of Us, highlights the national challenges and collective action needed to ensure every child learns to read and reads to learn.

Are you signed up to attend 2025 National Forum to Advance Rural Education?

The National Rural Education Association Forum is just around the corner, and the official agenda is now live! If you’re attending next month, take a moment to explore the schedule and decide which sessions best align with your interests and goals.

This is a great opportunity to dive into key topics, connect with fellow rural education and community development leaders, and bring valuable insights back to your work.

Click the button to check out their agenda and start planning your sessions now!

We can’t wait to see you there!

Save the Date: CivicLab National Convening

Join leaders from across the country at the CivicLab National Convening, happening December 2–5, 2025 in Savannah, GA. This event brings together education, workforce, philanthropy, and community leaders to share strategies, tools, and practices that strengthen education-to-employment pathways and improve regional talent systems.

It Takes a Village: Building Systems of Care that Center Youth & Families

The 2025 Rural ACEs Summit is bringing leaders together to explore how communities can address and prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in rural regions. Hosted by Population Health Innovation Lab, this annual event creates space for connection, collaboration, and innovation among educators, healthcare providers, and community leaders. Don’t miss this opportunity to share strategies and strengthen networks that support resilience and well-being in rural communities.

CONNECT ** COLLABORATE ** CONTRIBUTE

OUR VISION

North State Together is a regional network of cross-sector partners who have come together to strengthen educational outcomes from cradle to career for ALL in far Northern California. 

OUR MISSION

To increase community vitality by increasing educational access and success in the North State through local solutions within a regional support framework.

OUR VALUES

We are community, data, equity, and relationship driven.