South County, Monarch School Students Expand Palate with Foods Course

Students from South County Community School and Monarch School recently had the opportunity to participate in a cultural foods course on the San Diego City College campus.

The course examined the regional, ethnic, cultural, religious, historical, and social influences on food patterns and cuisine, as well as how food is viewed as an expression of cultural diversity.

During the six-week course, 12 students learned about different cultures and how their cultures identify with different food. The course concluded with an international food celebration, which provided students the opportunity to celebrate what they learned. 

Brandon Ortiz, a sophomore at South County Community School, said he felt “proud” to participate in a college course and felt more focused being there in person.  

“I enjoyed the class topic. It got me thinking about different cultures I wouldn’t have before,” Ortiz said. “Culture and food were never something I thought about as going together. It was a good class overall.”

The opportunity was made possible through an agreement the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) has with San Diego City College. Up until now, a City College professor taught several courses on the Monarch School campus, including Film Studies, Script Writing, and Film 110. This was the first opportunity for students to take a course on the City College campus.

Leaders in SDCOE’s Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS) are working toward making it possible for every student to experience a college-level course.

“Part of our goal at Monarch is to have students graduating with at least a semester of college coursework done,” said Stephanie Johnston, manager, JCCS. “And really, where we’re headed as an organization, we want all of our students to experience a college course.”

Johnston said that the course could be asynchronous, on their own school site, or at the college campus, whatever best suits the needs of the student.

Monarch teacher Mark Starr attended class each day with the students and supported them with their coursework.

Starr said that students were highly engaged, studied collaboratively, and were eager to participate and succeed.

“The collaboration with the professor, Michelle Steele, and the support from San Diego City College really helped make this effort a success,” Starr said.  

The partnership with San Diego City College is one of several JCCS has with colleges in the county, including Southwestern, Cuyamaca, Palomar, and Cal State San Marcos. Students participate in dual enrollment opportunities as well as in-person and online courses.