High School Inc Academies Foundation

To empower youth and strengthen communities through education and business partnerships.

High School Inc. Academies Foundation was created (2006) with a simple but powerful belief: when education and industry work together, students thrive and communities grow stronger.

Founded as a public-private partnership between Valley High School, Santa Ana Unified School District, and the business community, High School Inc. was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world opportunity. What began with just 90 students has grown into a nationally recognized model serving more than 1,600 students annually across multiple career academies. (Since our expansion to two more high schools we serve more than 3,500 annually).

Our students don’t just learn about careers they experience them. Through hands-on coursework, mentorship, internships, and exposure to industry professionals, students gain confidence, purpose, and a clear vision for their future. Many are the first in their families to imagine college, technical training, or a career beyond survival mode.

At High School Inc., education is not theoretical, it is transformational.

For nearly two decades, High School Inc. Academies Foundation has demonstrated what is possible when students are given access, support, and opportunity.

- Student participation has grown from 90 to more than 3,500 students annually
- Our academies consistently maintain a 95% graduation rate, exceeding district and national averages
- Students graduate with industry-recognized skills, certifications, and real workplace experience
- The vast majority of graduating seniors pursue college, career training, or employment aligned with their pathway

Beyond the numbers are the stories: students who discovered confidence in a hands-on learning environment, families who see new possibilities for generational stability, and employers who gain motivated, prepared future talent.

Your investment directly fuels these outcomes turning potential into progress and aspiration into achievement.

Orange County faces a growing workforce challenge. Each year, more than 17,000 middle-skill jobs go unfilled due to a lack of trained, qualified candidates. At the same time, students from low-income communities face systemic barriers to accessing career pathways that lead to economic mobility.

The disconnect is clear and solvable.

Post-COVID challenges have only intensified the need. Many of our students and families continue to face economic instability, limited access to enrichment opportunities, and reduced exposure to professional networks. Without intentional intervention, too many capable students are left behind.

Funding is essential to expand High School Inc.’s proven model supporting updated equipment, industry partnerships, mentorship, internships, and student services that ensure learning translates into real opportunity. An investment today directly strengthens tomorrow’s workforce.

High School Inc. Academies Foundation serves students in Santa Ana and Anaheim, communities rich in culture, resilience, and potential but historically under-resourced.

1. Valley High School in Santa Ana
2. Century High School in Santa Ana
3. Magnolia High School in Anaheim

These communities are home to students who are often first-generation college aspirants and whose families are working hard to build stability. By bringing career-connected education directly onto school campuses, High School Inc. removes barriers and creates access where it matters most.

When donors invest locally through High School Inc., they are investing in stronger families, a prepared workforce, and a more equitable Orange County.

We extend a warm welcome and express our gratitude for your support of the High School Inc. Academies Foundation and the students within our care. The future is unfolding in the present moment! The vulnerable high school youth under our purview benefit from comprehensive access to our career education, guidance, and support systems, empowering them to envision a brighter future. Moreover, the escalating cost of living and the surge in inflation have intensified financial constraints faced by our students and their families.
Within the community, there is a palpable momentum aimed at assisting students in exploring their future and college options. The process of identifying their talents and aptitudes, aligning them with their interests and passions, enables students to make more informed decisions about their academic and career trajectories, fostering clarity and focus. Through your invaluable support, we are equipped to unlock the latent potential within our students, preparing them for the future workforce and contributing to the development of a more robust workforce for Orange County.

While our primary objective is to keep our students actively engaged in their learning, we acknowledge the increasing challenges faced by many students and their families. The realization of meeting these students where they are positioned would not be possible without the steadfast support from esteemed community partners such as yourself.

The convergence of education, industry, and community manifests a profound sense of hope and connection. We express our sincere gratitude for your involvement and contribution to this dynamic momentum!