Educational Services Division
Student Support Services
Mission
Through the understanding of youth development, we honor every student’s individuality and unique educational needs. We promote the cooperation and coordination of school and community agencies to meet the needs of students by: increasing access to resources, expanding prevention and intervention services, enhancing community awareness and empowering youth and families.
Vision
Helping Students to Help Themselves
Goals
Seek out grants and other resources to promote and enhance student learning through a variety of creative strategies.
Donate to Student Support Services
Write-Start Project
There is never enough funding to provide 100% of the needy students in Santa Cruz County with the services they deserve. Now you can make an online donation for one of our programs!
Online donations through PayPal are fast, secure, and your donation goes directly to services for Santa Cruz County youth.
All donations made to Student Support Services must be accepted by the County Board of Education. Once your donation has been reviewed and accepted, we will notify and thank you by mail. This process may take 4-6 weeks.
If you would like to donate non-cash items, the following is a list of material goods our programs are in need of:
- Santa Cruz Metro "Youth" bus passes
- Large backpacks for high school students - no red or blue
- Shoe gift certificates
- Clothing gift certificates
- School supplies: 3 ring binders, paper, notebooks, rulers, pens, pencils, crayons, colored pencils and markers, calculators, dictionaries, glue sticks, etc.
Drop off or mail any of the above donated items to:
Student Support Services
Santa Cruz County Office of Education
400 Encinal Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
If mailing a check, please make the check payable to "Students in Transition". Thank you!
About Student Support Services
The Student Support Services Department has been working hard to bring quality programs to the students of Santa Cruz County since 1995. Each year we provide a variety of academic and other supportive services to over 4,000 students throughout the county. These services are rooted in the philosophy of Youth Development that emphasizes a caring and respectful community that values the contribution youth can make in determining their own futures. We believe that strong collaborations with school districts, governmental and community-based agencies, parents, businesses and a variety of other community members are vital to the success of our youth.
The SCCOE's Superintendent's Vision and Priorities for 2007-2010 are evident in the strong collaborative efforts that have contributed to the success of students receiving our services. At present, SSS houses more than a dozen programs designed specifically to support and challenge the youth of Santa Cruz.
New Staff
Student Support Services is happy to welcome new staff members to our department!
Scott Hill recently accepted a promotion from Human Resources to his new position as Work Experience Specialist in the Youth Employment Program. Scott was born and raised in Aptos, CA. He is currently the Head Varsity Coach of the Aptos High Volleyball team.
María Rodríguez-Castillo is the new Work Experience Specialist working with the Sueños Academy. Maria brings to her position over 10 years of experience with non-profits. Before joining WIA she worked to support survivors of childhood sexual abuse through a healing process; she also advocated for people with disabilities to be sure their civil rights were respected. In addition, she directed Shining Stars - a performance group for children and youth with and without disabilities. She is currently Chair to the Santa Cruz County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission.
"I am very excited and feel fortunate to be part of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education serving and supporting youth in our community."
- Maria Rodriguez-Castillo
Karen Lemon is parting with her position in Student Support Services to become an ROP teacher at Renaissance High School in Watsonville. She will be missed in the SSS Department!
Nohemi Macias is replacing Karen as project specialist of the Students in Transition program. Nohemi is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz and holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Business Management Economics. She was born and raised in Watsonville, CA.
"I am thrilled to be involved with my community. It's what I've always wanted to do as a career."
- Nohemi Macias
