California

• BakersfieldEducationSep 30

  Local Skilled Trades Teacher Wins $100,000 Prize for School

  Mario Lizarraga, an automotive collision teacher at the Regional Occupational Center, won the 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Grand Prize. The $100,000 award will see 70% go to his school program and 30% to him. Students and faculty gathered Tuesday morning to celebrate the win.

• FresnoEducationSep 30

  Fresno State Expands Support for Student Parents with New Grant

  Fresno State is expanding support for student parents using a new California State University grant. The university offers services like priority registration and a diaper distribution program to help parent scholars balance school and family life. These efforts are part of the CSU system's broader initiative.

• SacramentoEducationSep 30

  Sacramento State Program Supports Deaf Students' College and Career Dreams

  Sacramento State is supporting deaf students through resources like its American Sign Language study hub. A film major student, Kevin Way, uses interpreter services to pursue his goal of becoming a filmmaker centered on deaf culture. The program receives partial funding from the California Lottery.

• Long BeachEducationSep 30

  Long Beach Man Starts Free Plumbing School Honoring Brother

  Tito Rodriguez, known as "Hood Santa," launched the Rodco Plumbing Academy to offer free plumbing classes for teens. This initiative honors his brother Raul, who passed away from cancer. The academy aims to provide a path for young people in Long Beach.

• San DiegoEducationSep 30

  Guide to San Diego County School Board Candidates

  School board trustees oversee budgets and create school policies for San Diego County districts. These elected officials approve curriculum and hire superintendents, while the public votes to elect leaders who shape future education policy. Trustees serve four-year terms representing specific areas within the district.

• FresnoEducationSep 29

  Central Unified Reports Positive Impact from Phone-Free Policy

  Central Unified administrators report that the new phone-free campus policy is changing behavior in classrooms and at school events. Students are required to keep phones locked in pouches, leading to more face-to-face interaction and improved engagement. Teachers noted students are scoring better on quizzes and tests.

• BakersfieldEducationSep 29

  Wasco FFA Students Showcase Animals and Life Skills at Kern County Fair

  Students from Wasco FFA visited the Kern County Fairgrounds, showcasing their animals. Participants highlighted that beyond animal care, the program teaches valuable soft skills like responsibility and time management for future endeavors.

• SacramentoEducationSep 28

  High School Girls' Golf Helps Sacramento-Area Teens Build Confidence

  Girls' golf is in season at high schools in Northern California, including Sacramento County. The time spent on the greens helps students improve social skills and connection. However, the cost of equipment remains a hurdle for more teens to participate.

• FresnoEducationSep 25

  Parent group questions Fresno Unified's accountability efforts

  Fresno Unified School District is seeking parent input on various issues. However, a parent advocacy group questioned whether the district is genuinely interested in accountability on September 25.

• BakersfieldEducationSep 25

  4-H youth showcase livestock preparation at county fair

  Young 4-H members dedicate months to feeding and grooming pigs and other livestock in preparation for competition at the Kern County Fair.

• OaklandEducationSep 24

  Oakland schools expand technology restrictions for student devices

  The Oakland school board approved additional limitations on student technology use and screen time in classrooms, including restrictions on Chromebook access.

Summarized from public news sources, not original Juncture reporting. Open the linked sources for the full story.