Stanislaus County Office of Education’s Prevention Programs Department recently announced that 30 students from throughout the county received $500 scholarships as they graduated from its 2016-17 Leadership Academy.

Among the 30 recognized students were Jaisen Albor of Riverbank and Hailey Brown of Oakdale.

Designed to develop the leadership potential of high school juniors and seniors, the Leadership Academy was first implemented during the 2003-04 school year by SCOE’s Prevention Programs Department. Approximately 420 students from throughout the county have participated in Leadership Academy since its inception.

Students meet one day each month throughout the school year. In a hands-on learning environment, they learn about emerging community issues, are provided an opportunity to expand their knowledge of academics and work ethics, and gain an awareness of local career availability.

“This program is the first of its kind in Stanislaus County to bring youth, public, and private organizations together to discuss and explore leadership in unique and innovative ways,” said Vicki Bauman, SCOE’s Director of Prevention Programs. “The program receives tremendous support from business and industry throughout the county.”

 “One of the goals of the program is to raise awareness of careers available locally to students after they graduate from college or trade schools,” said Bauman.