One program helps kids boost reading skills. Another prepares students — as young as preschool — for healthcare careers. Yet another uses video games to get students more engaged with school.
These are some of the innovative Inland Empire education programs singled out for statewide recognition.
Schools and districts across the Inland region have won the California School Boards Association’s Golden Bell Awards for their creative initiatives. Now in their 45th year, the awards honor programs that help students do better and promote excellence.
The programs “make a difference in the lives of students,” association CEO Vernon M. Billy said in a news release.
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Winners will be honored at the 2025 Annual Education Conference and Trade Show in Sacramento in December.
The Inland winners include the following, as described on the association’s website.
Riverside County
Beaumont Unified School District
The Be Ready Beaumont program helps K-12 students explore their strengths and interests while preparing for careers. Students begin with career exploration and progress to advanced career education pathways, focusing on building skills and real-world opportunities.
Corona-Norco Unified School District
The Bilingual Empowerment & Student Translation Leadership program helps new English learner students at Roosevelt High School in Eastvale adjust to school by offering translation, mentoring, and cultural activities.
Hemet Unified School District
The Hemet Unified School District Literacy Program has helped students achieve grade-level reading skills. Since 2021, the number of students reading below grade level has dropped significantly, earning the program national recognition.
Jurupa Unified School District
Jurupa Unified has 18 community schools offering resources to help students and families overcome challenges. The schools focus on student wellness, mental health and parent engagement.
Moreno Valley Unified School District
The Scholastic Esports Program uses gaming to teach students teamwork, leadership and technology skills. It has improved attendance, reduced suspensions and increased participation in esports among girls.
Riverside Unified School District
Riverside Unified coaches and trains new teachers, administrators and staff members to help ensure quality teaching and leadership through its Professional Growth System Department.
San Bernardino County
Chaffey Joint Union High School District
The Alternative Education Center helps students thrive by creating a supportive environment focused on emotional well-being. The approach has improved graduation rates and reduced suspensions.
Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program
The Counselor Roadshow teaches school counselors about career education programs for students. Through tours, presentations, and student stories it has increased enrollment and strengthened the collaboration between counselors and the program’s staff.
Fontana Unified School District
Summit High School runs a Summer Bridge Program to help ninth graders prepare for high school. It includes hands-on learning in science, technology and career skills.
Ontario-Montclair School District
The Expanded Learning Opportunity Program offers students fun and meaningful activities outside of the school day. The program uses staff and community partnerships to create new experiences.
Redlands Unified School District
Redlands Unified created a K-12 Computer Science pathway program for students from kindergarten through high school. Enrollment has grown every year, with more students taking advanced courses and excelling in computer science.
San Bernardino City Unified School District
The Basics Curriculum Framework, which began in 2002, helps students with disabilities build academic and life skills, focusing on independence.
Los Angeles County
Pomona Unified School District
Pomona Unified’s health sciences program introduces students from preschool through high school to healthcare careers. Many of its alumni have become nurses or healthcare professionals.
