Communities and Schools for Career Success (CS²)


Supporting Schools in Strengthening Transition Options for Students


Young people have the greatest opportunities and best chance of living healthy, productive lives when communities are aligned to support schools and invest in their students. Communities and Schools for Career Success (CS²)strengthens the relationships between adults and youth and connects academic learning with career preparation and youth development. CS² builds connections between schools and their communities to support the needs of all youth.

Each CS² team works with school administrators and staff, community partners, and youth to identify gaps in services and enhance program effectiveness through new and existing programs. CS² is active in four California communities - Sacramento, San Diego, Yolo County, and Petaluma - where Community/School Entrepreneurs guide more than 100 programs and activities that directly impact students.

CS² was established in October of 1999 by the California Department of Education (CDE) to test the replicability of the successful CS² Massachusetts school improvement model in California. CS² involves the entire community in developing and implementing plans to help students progress successfully from middle school through high school, and to make informed choices about post-secondary education and career opportunities.