Our office was proud to serve as a presenting sponsor during last week’s “State of Education” event in Victorville. Hosted by the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce and led by San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) Superintendent Ted Alejandre, the event showcased the incredible progress happening in schools throughout the First District.
From cutting-edge career training to expanded mental health support and improved connectivity, SBCSS continues to invest in programs that prepare High Desert students for both college and career success.
Expanding Career Technical Education
The K-12 Strong Workforce Program, which has $2 million allocated to the High Desert, continues to transform classrooms into hands-on training environments that mirror real-world industries. Schools across the First District are benefiting from new, high-quality equipment that gives students a competitive edge.
Serrano High School has enhanced its public safety pathway with a forcible entry firefighting simulation training box and additional Miller welders, while Hesperia High School now owns a fire truck dedicated to its firefighting CTE program. At Apple Valley High School, students in the machining pathway are training on advanced equipment, including a 5-axis Haas mill and a new compact mill. Meanwhile, Silver Valley High School has expanded its creative career offerings with studio-grade graphic printers.
Beyond the classroom, students are gaining valuable exposure through tours of Victor Valley College, Barstow Community College, Cal State San Bernardino, and industry leaders such as Mitsubishi Cement, City of Hesperia, and Town of Apple Valley. These experiences are helping bridge the gap between education and the workforce.
Leading the Way: Space Force JROTC
The Academy for Academic Excellence in Apple Valley is home to the only Space Force JROTC unit in California—an exciting milestone that places the First District at the forefront of innovation in leadership and STEM-focused education. This unique program introduces students to aerospace, technology, and service opportunities in one of the nation’s newest military branches.
Strengthening Industry Partnerships
Collaboration remains a cornerstone of student success in the High Desert. Mountain Desert Career Pathways connects students with a wide network of industry and education partners, including Mitsubishi Cement, CalPortland, CEMEX, Southern California Logistics Airport, General Atomics, Exquadrum, Silverwood, and Victor Valley College’s Public Safety Training Center.
Students are actively engaging with these partners through tours, mock interviews, and hands-on learning experiences.
This spring, students from Apple Valley Unified School District and Hesperia Unified School District will put their skills to the test at the Construction Industry Education Foundation Design Build Competition. Competing against teams from across Southern California, students will build a full shed from the ground up—an experience made possible through mentorship from industry professionals.
Regional collaboration continues to amplify these efforts, with districts sharing curriculum resources and even equipment. For example, Trona High School provided surplus welding equipment to Snowline and Silver Valley districts, demonstrating a shared commitment to student success.
Closing the Digital Divide with Expanded Connectivity
Reliable internet access remains critical for modern learning, especially in our rural desert areas. SBCSS is addressing this need by deploying Starlink satellite internet systems across the county. These systems will provide backup connectivity during outages and emergencies, ensuring our schools remain connected to essential services.
The Broadband Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program has already delivered high-speed internet access to thousands of students in remote communities like Baker and Trona, helping close the digital divide and expand educational equity.
Prioritizing Student Well-Being and Mental Health
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by High Desert communities, the county continues to prioritize mental health resources for students, families and educators.
The High Desert Mental Health and Wellness Network is working to expand access to care where providers are limited, while the High Desert Crisis Response Team ensures immediate support is available during times of need.
Excelsior Charter Schools has partnered with Care Solace to connect students, staff, and families with a wide range of mental health services. These include in-person and online therapy, hospitalization, residential and outpatient treatment, detox programs, and family counseling.
Building a Stronger Future for the First District
The initiatives highlighted at this year’s State of Education event reflect a clear and consistent goal of preparing students for success while supporting their well-being every step of the way.
Through innovation and collaboration, the First District continues to create meaningful opportunities that empower students to thrive in school, in their careers, and in their communities.
Thank you to Superintendent Alejandre for an informative and inspiring presentation!
