EVENT FOCUS:

High school is a make-or-break period for teenagers with impact on the rest of their lives.
California, along with the rest of the nation, is facing a crisis in education.
Budget deficits and declining student performance feed a vicious cycle.
Dropout rates are at an all-time high, schools are overcrowded, teachers are being fired.
“Disruptive” innovation and creative solutions are critical to answering these challenges.
Online education leverages technology to create a personalized environment that supports the total student and prepares him or her for a successful future.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER & DISTINGUISHED PANELISTS:

Loretta Sanchez, U.S. Congresswoman, Award Recipient | Keynote Speaker
Global, national, regional, local trends in public education; key issues regarding achievement, resources, alternatives bio
Sherry Opacic, Ed.D., Director, Institute for Leadership Development, Orange County Department of Education
Challenges and alternatives in the changing landscape of public education: dropout rates, charters, magnets, online bio
Keith Oelrich, CEO, Insight Schools
Delivering effective online education every day to every student, maximizing potential and preparing for a future after high school bio
Jeff McBride, CEO, YMCA of Orange County
YMCA’s after-school programs and opportunities related to alternative education programs bio
Dr. P. K. Shukla, Vice Chancellor for Entrepreneurship, Chapman University
Critical importance of high school performance for post-secondary success, trends seen with incoming freshmen bio
Dr. Alexandria Coronado, President, Orange County Board of Education
Alternative high school programs bio
John Stephens, Senior Vice President, Keenan & Associates
Education from a business perspective, using online technology for communication and training (Keenan SafeSchools) bio