State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson paid a visit to Ceres High Manufacturing Production & Green Technology Academy on August 15, 2014. Superintendent Torlakson was on a statewide tour visiting Career Pathways funded schools throughout the state and stopped to learn of the success that Ceres High School enjoys as a result of incorporating the academy into their high school offerings. In an article recently featured in the Modesto Bee Torlakson is quoted as saying, “this is a model program” and added that he would like to see more such academies around the state.
Throughout the morning, representatives of the Ceres High School Board of Trustees were in attendance as well as other dignitaries including GRID Alternatives. Tom Esqueda, Regional Director, GRID Alternatives Central Valley stated that, “Through this great partnership with Ceres High School, we have been able to teach students the value of solar power and the savings it brings to families who otherwise would not be able to afford a system to begin with. In addition, students gain valuable hands-on experience in solar installation that help build work and life skills necessary for future employment opportunities after graduation”.
As part of the overall program, GRID’s partnership with the Academy served as one of the focal points of their presentation and GRID representatives were able to provide supplemental back-up information about the partnership and about GRID Alternatives mission and commitment to the region as well. We firmly believe that partnership with educational institutions like Ceres High School’s Manufacturing Production & Green Academy brings tangible benefits to communities, students, families, and our environment. We thank Ceres High School for their continued partnership.