Some of the most profound learning experiences can happen when education extends beyond school walls. In Orange County, business and community leaders are collaborating with local schools to develop two innovative programs designed to get students out of the classroom and onto the path to a fulfilling career. Through a new program called Quest, students are given dedicated guidance throughout high school to keep them focused on academics, help develop long-range goals for post high school, encourage them to take part in community service, and to engage with members of the community through a partnership with the Orange Rotary. Another new program, the Academic Scholars Institute, is working with middle school males to develop their identities as successful students and young men without social and cultural stereotypes before they enter high school. For this WNRN ‘Hear Together’ feature, we are looking at the innovative partnerships happening between the community and the schools in Orange County.

Learn more about education in Orange County and the 'Hear Together' series here.