SAN FRANCISCO, CA. – An innovative Jurupa Unified School District program that prepares students for careers in highly competitive tech careers has earned a prestigious 2023 Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association (CSBA). The program earned the CSBA Business Affiliate’s Award.
The Golden Bell Awards promote excellence in public education and school board governance. The 2023 awards were presented at a ceremony held Thursday, November 30 in San Francisco as part of the CSBA Annual Education Conference. The JUSD Dell Student TechCrew program earned a Golden Bell in the competitive Career Technical Education category. This is the district’s 12th Golden Bell Award.
“JUSD is grateful for the recognition of our Dell Student TechCrew program and very proud that our district is leading the way as the only district in California with this program available to students,” Superintendent Dr. Trenton Hansen said.
“Dell Student TechCrew is just one example of our district’s many innovative educational programs designed to ensure students are engaged and invested in their educational journeys while also giving them the skills and knowledge they need to succeed once they graduate. This truly is a wonderful example of what The Jurupa Experience is all about.”
“I am proud of our district for taking a chance to be the first in California to make this cutting-edge program available for all of our middle and high school students,” said Board of Education President Robert Garcia. “Our students have let us know that this program is making a true, meaningful difference in their lives and we are grateful for this affirmation from our colleagues as we continue to build bold, creative educational programs that ensure success for all students.”
A JUSD Student TechCrew was first introduced in 2018 after a teacher noticed students’ natural affinity for, and interest in technology and sought a way to use these interests to support career growth. As the program grew and developed, JUSD joined the Dell Student TechCrew program. The program was fully integrated into the district in 2021 and is now in place at all JUSD high schools – including a continuation high school – as well as expanding into all four of the district’s middle schools as an elective option. Providing early exposure in middle school opens up high school CTE pathway opportunities for students.
Dell Student TechCrew students gain highly marketable technical skills as they learn the intricate workings of computers and how to repair them. These skills are put into practice as students repair Chromebooks used by students across the district. Those who complete the program and pass a certification exam can graduate high school ready to work as certified IT technicians. The program also opens the door to numerous other career possibilities in the tech industry, such as programming, cybersecurity, computer science, or even careers in education.
Students also gain important professional skills to help them succeed in any field. These include customer service, teamwork, professionalism, and ethics. Mock Interviews are another component of the program. Students learn how to dress appropriately for an interview, how to talk to adults professionally, and how to work through nervousness.
“Preparing students for careers and future success even before graduation is a testament to our dedication to fulfilling our promise to ensure Learning Without Limits for all students,” Mr. Garcia said.
To learn more about the Golden Bell Awards, please visit: https://publications.csba.org/golden-bell/golden-bell-awards-2023/
