linkedlearningState Sen. Bob Huff spoke at a regional press conference Wednesday to showcase Linked Learning, a high school reform initiative.

The event was held at the Lewis Cultural Center in Rancho Cucamonga and a student exhibition of work-based learning experiences were on display.

Linked Learning prepares high school students for college and career, which helps achieve the Cradle to Career Goal set forth in the Countywide Vision.  It works by integrating rigorous academics with career-based learning in school and in real-world professional workplaces. Students also are provided academic support and counseling.

Linked Learning research among all demographic profiles shows higher rates of graduation at traditional high schools and strong scores on statewide tests.

The showcase highlighted partnerships fostered between schools, districts and employers to prepare California’s future workforce to compete in job-rich economic sectors.

In January, the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and a consortium of five school districts were selected to take part in a statewide Linked Learning pilot program. The five participating school districts include Chino Valley Unified, Colton Joint Unified, San Bernardino City Unified, Upland Unified and Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified.

The county consortium was one of 20 programs selected statewide to take part in the pilot program. County Schools’ Alliance for Education is coordinating the pilot program with the five participating school districts.

In May, San Bernardino County Superintendent Gary Thomas was named to the statewide Linked Learning Alliance Leadership Council.