High school students from across Fresno County took center stage at the first-ever Rooted to Rise Conference, an event focused on empowering student voice, leadership development, and real-world skills. Hosted by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, the conference brought more than 200 students from 38 schools to the California State University, Fresno campus, intentionally placing students in a college environment to reinforce that they belong in spaces of opportunity.

Student leadership and college readiness take center stage in this Education Matters report from Fresno County. Meet Central High West student body president Karai Paige, who says her involvement with the Fresno County Youth Advisory Board helped her find her voice, build leadership skills, and become a confident public speaker.

A simulated 9-1-1 call sets the stage for a unique hands-on learning experience for high school students in Fresno County. In this episode of Education Matters, we take you inside a mobile dispatch training trailer designed to prepare students for careers as emergency dispatchers.