SOLEDAD — Soledad Unified School District has been awarded a $2.7 million Implementation Grant through the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP).
This significant investment will support the transformation of Soledad High School and Pinnacles High School into full-service community schools over the next five years.
With this grant, Soledad Unified officially joins the ranks of California Community Schools Districts — a network of schools that center equity, whole-child development and strong partnerships between schools, families and communities.
“This grant represents an important milestone in our commitment to supporting the academic and emotional well-being of every student,” said Superintendent Randy Bangs. “By transforming our schools into hubs of opportunity, support and belonging, we will deepen connections with families and community partners to ensure our students thrive.”
The Community Schools model is built around four key pillars:
- Integrated Student Supports, including expanded access to mental health services and academic tutoring;
- Family and Community Engagement, through parent education programs, workshops and resource access;
- Collaborative Leadership, empowering students, families, educators and community partners in shared decision-making; and
- Expanded Learning Time, such as after-school programs, college readiness initiatives, internships and career technical pathways.
With this new funding, Soledad High School will expand its behavioral health services, college and career programs and parent engagement efforts. Pinnacles High School will enhance social-emotional learning, increase support for credit recovery and grow community partnerships to support job training and mentorship.
The district has already begun planning and implementation with strong input from students, parents, educators and local organizations. Partnerships with agencies, such as Monterey County Behavioral Health, Sun Street Centers, Daybreak Health and the Soledad Family Resource Center, will be central to the work ahead.
“As a Community Schools District, we reaffirm our mission to serve the whole child,” Bangs said. “This grant allows us to break down barriers to learning and provide students with the wraparound support they deserve. We are grateful to receive this grant, which represents the extraordinary efforts of our high school administrators as well as our Student and Family Services division.”
