Women continue to lag behind men in certain science, technology, engineering and math programs, according to an analysis of colleges’ data by the Public Policy Institute of California on behalf of CalMatters
K-12 Education
Posted inEducation
Watsonville High School senior appointed 2025-26 PVUSD student trustee
Watsonville High School senior Desiderio Salinas-Holz has been appointed as the 2025-26 Pajaro Valley Unified School District board of education student trustee.
Posted inEducation
Santa Cruz High alumni barbecue happens Aug. 24 at Harvey West
On Sunday, Aug. 24, the Santa Cruz High School Alumni Association is hosting a biennial all-class alumni barbecue.
Posted inEducation
Santa Cruz County teachers confront AI’s growing influence over the classroom
Some local teachers are changing up assignments and returning to handwritten work as artificial intelligence tools threaten students’ critical thinking development. But Santa Cruz County educators also see opportunities for AI to help students and teachers alike.
Posted inEducation
Santa Cruz County districts get tough on cellphones in class as new school year begins
Most of Santa Cruz County’s school districts were set to welcome students back to school Thursday, with many announcing new cellphone policies to improve student well-being and to reduce distractions during school hours.
Posted inEducation
In Santa Cruz County, where a youth mental health crisis claims boys at alarming rates, new state initiative offers hope
An executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom aims to tackle the mental health crisis disproportionately affecting boys and young men through education, workforce engagement and mentorship initiatives. Clinician Matt Merrill, who works with youth in Santa Cruz County, calls it a meaningful first step.
Posted inEducation
Newsom directs agencies to tackle loneliness crisis among boys and young men
A new California directive aims to tackle a “crisis of loneliness” in boys and young men.
Posted inEducation
In Pajaro Valley Unified, parents ask: How much power should police have in schools?
As students prepare to return to class, Pajaro Valley Unified School District is confronting a contentious debate over police powers in schools. Law enforcement officers argue their work prevents many students from ending up in the criminal justice system.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Health officials urge Bay Area families to prioritize immunizations this back-to-school season
With the new school year starting for most Santa Cruz County students within the next few weeks, health officials are asking families to be sure vaccinations are up to date.
Posted inEducation
Universal pre-K now available to all Santa Cruz County families
Starting with the 2025-26 school year, all families in Santa Cruz County will have access to free or low-cost early learning through California’s Universal PreKindergarten initiative, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education announced Monday.