The Oaklandside is launching a reporting fellowship for high schoolers

"More than 34,000 students attend K-12 schools in Oakland Unified School District. For kids and their families, these schools play a critical role in everyday life: they provide safe spaces for children, reliable meals, opportunities for healthy physical activity, and access to trusted adults. They're where young people develop friendships, learn critical thinking skills, and form an understanding of their place in society."

"But it remains true that Oakland's public schools face real hardships that make it difficult for them to reach their full potential. OUSD regained control of its finances last spring after 22 years under state receivership, but its dwindling budget - even after a series of painful school closures and consolidations in recent years - continues to put pressure on staffing."

More than 34,000 students attend K-12 schools in Oakland Unified School District, where schools provide safe spaces, meals, physical activity, and access to trusted adults. OUSD recently regained financial control after 22 years under state receivership, but a dwindling budget and recent school closures and consolidations continue to strain staffing. Academic outcomes lag: in 2024 only a third of students met English standards and one quarter met math standards, both below state averages, with larger gaps in schools serving lower-income students of color. A reporting fellowship will give 12 local high school students the opportunity to research and report on challenges and potential solutions.

Read at The Oaklandside