Enter the Student AI Contest

Dear community member,

As we enter era where AI technology and education inevitably intersect, it is support students to learn to understand and leverage these tools responsibly — to enhance, not replace, their creativity.

It is with this in mind that the Santa Cruz COE, in collaboration with Santa Cruz Works, is hosting a contest that invites students in grades 8 and up to explore their creativity and innovation through AI tools. Students can use AI tools to assist them to build creative work such as art, music, a story, or poetry, with an emphasis on harnessing the tools to supercharge their own unique style or voice.

The contest culminates with the ThinkBig: AI & Me event, on April 11, 2024. Hosted by the Santa Cruz COE in partnership with Santa Cruz Works, this event features hands-on AI demos, discussions with AI experts, and the announcement of the competition winners.

Submissions are open until April 2, 2024, at 4 p.m., and must include a completed Design Proposal as outlined on the contest site. Find out more about the contest and event by clicking the button below, and please help us to spread the word to a creative student in your life!

Yours in education and equity,
Dr. Faris Sabbah
County Superintendent of Schools

Family Nutrition & Exercise Survey

Calling all families — your voice matters! Your input on nutrition and exercise education and practices in our school community help make recommendations that impact our youth.

The Youth Nutrition & Exercise Initiative, organized by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, is a county-wide effort aimed at enhancing student nutrition and physical activity. We're uniting educators, healthcare providers, community partners, and most importantly, families like yours! A Spanish version of the survey is also available.

HERstory Celebration

Join us on March 28 at the Santa Cruz MAH to cap off Women's History Month with a celebration of the remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on our community and beyond.

Hear from inspiring guest speakers, try your hand at the HerStory board game, get connected with women-focused organizations, and more. This event is hosted in partnership with the Santa Cruz MAH and Lookout Santa Cruz.

Foster & Homeless Education Summit

Join the Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz County Offices of Education for an informative event featuring a variety of workshops on the education of homeless and foster students, in addition to a youth panel and keynote speaker.

This summit is for professionals working with homeless and foster students. Registration is now live, and lunch will be provided.

Join the Free CyberClub

All Santa Cruz County students in grades 6-12 are invited to join a free, virtual Cybersecurity Club to learn how to identify and solve cybersecurity threats.

CyberClub meets twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Meetings began March 18, however students are encouraged to join anytime through the end of the session April 24. Participants in the club are eligible to compete in the National Cyber League event at no cost. No prior experience necessary.

COE Students Recognized

Congratulations to Valerie Herrera and Debbie Alvarez, two COE students who received Workforce Achievement Awards from Workforce Santa Cruz County!

The Workforce Achievement Award program is an initiative of the County of Santa Cruz Workforce Development Board designed to recognize and celebrate the triumphs of individuals who have overcome adversity.

Look Back at the STEAM Expo

Thank you to the hundreds of incredible students, judges, performers, partners, exhibitors, volunteers and families who made the first-ever Santa Cruz County STEAM Expo such a success!

View our album of photos from the event on the COE's Facebook page, and find out more about the STEAM Expo and how to get involved at https://steamexpo.santacruzcoe.org.