FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RICHMOND— The West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) hosted its End-of-Year Career Technical Education (CTE) Industry Advisory Board Meeting and Celebration on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Sylvester Greenwood Academy, bringing together students, educators, and industry leaders to celebrate a year of innovation, career readiness, and student achievement.

The convening included WCCUSD CTE students and teachers, as well as industry leaders representing many of the high-wage, high-growth industries connected to the District’s Career Technical Education pathways. The event provided an opportunity for partners, educators, and students to reflect on the continued growth and impact of WCCUSD’s CTE programs.

Guests enjoyed dinner prepared by Chef Mike Petrilli and his Sylvester Greenwood Academy culinary students, and guests also participated in a gallery walk featuring student Y-PLAN civic action research posters and Career Technical Education pathway projects.

“We are so proud to see what our students have accomplished through our CTE programs and civic research projects,” said WCCUSD Superintendent Cheryl Cotton. “We want every child in West Contra Costa to have learning experiences that empower them as leaders and changemakers, which is why we are making every effort to preserve CTE offerings even as our district faces fiscal challenges. I am glad to see the great outcomes of these programs and applaud the hard work of our CTE students, educators, and industry partners, as well as WCCUSD College and Career staff.”

Throughout the evening, WCCUSD recognized the accomplishments of students and educators during the 2025–2026 academic year, including more than 240 work-based learning experiences such as clinical simulations and certifications, mock trial and legal simulations, coding projects, IT and media portfolios, resume workshops, mock interviews, and Junior Achievement career readiness programming. WCCUSD students also earned more than 500 industry-recognized certifications, completed over 150 internships, participated in 135 study trips, and engaged more than 530 students in Y-PLAN civic action research projects.

“Everything that our research at UC Berkeley has shown about supporting college and career readiness is happening in West Contra Costa Unified,” said Deborah McKoy. “I wish every community and every district around the country had the commitment to transforming systems the way that West Contra Costa has.”

Students also reflected on the impact of their work and the opportunity to help shape their communities through civic engagement projects.

“This isn’t imagining anymore. We’re actually making real change and submitting real proposals to the city,” shared Richmond High School senior Cali Stewart during the event. “When we get older, we’ll be able to see this work underway and know that we were part of it.”

The celebration reflects WCCUSD’s continued commitment to providing students with real-world learning opportunities, career exploration, and pathways to future success through strong community and industry partnerships.

For more information about WCCUSD Career Technical Education programs, visit West Contra Costa Unified School District.