(HSI) was established in 2006 in response to growing economic disparities in the Santa Ana community. Santa Ana remains one of Orange County’s poorest cities. was created through a unique partnership among the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD), Valley High School, Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce and the High School Inc. Foundation to reduce the impact of economic inequality by improving high
school graduation rates an by providing pathways for college and career readiness for disadvantaged youth in Santa Ana. Today, the High School Inc program is an effective model of small learning communities / academies, powered by a collaboration between education and business, which supports students in preparing for higher education and / or employment by providing them the opportunity to gain advanced skills and knowledge in an industry trade while attaining their high school diploma. The acronym “CHANGE” represents the six academies that improve academic outcomes among disadvantaged youth by equipping students with the education, skills, and resources they need to graduate from high school career and college ready. HSI’s six academies function on market and labor research that identifies and directly correlates to job growth industries that include: Culinary Arts & Hospitality, Healthcare, Automotive Transportation & Logistics, New Media, Global Business, and Engineering & Computer Technology. The purpose of the High School Inc. Academies Foundation is to augment, expand and enhance the High School Inc. Academies programs whose mission is to empower youth and strengthen communities through education and business partnerships.
