What's Happening
What’s Happening is a community service from the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) to connect families, students, and educators with free and low-cost opportunities and resources, including educator grants and scholarships/contests for students. Helpful information is updated regularly on this page with highlights published at the start of each month as an e-newsletter.
Email communications@sdcoe.net if you have an opportunity to share with educators, students, and families in San Diego County.
Sign up to receive the What's Happening monthly newsletter by clicking the 'Sign Up' icon below.
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Free and low-cost opportunities for educators and students
![group of four girls in a park smiling at the camera with two being carried by the other two]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749579092/sdcoenet/triihbbdstrlvhonecxw/WH-ParksAfterDark2025.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749579092/sdcoenet/triihbbdstrlvhonecxw/WH-ParksAfterDark2025.png","width":460}])
Parks After Dark is a seasonal initiative designed to bring the community together through fun, family-friendly events and activities in our parks.
![female fire fighter in gear kneeing on the ground with fire truck in the background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752690715/sdcoenet/lokgzzusalixodwhbkjr/WH-2526-IgniteYourPotential.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752690715/sdcoenet/lokgzzusalixodwhbkjr/WH-2526-IgniteYourPotential.png","width":460}])
This free program welcomes all genders ages 16-22 to explore emergency services and learn essential skills from experienced professionals.
![stack of hands on top of each other]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726155671/sdcoenet/iccsh3nulomwgmuj8awo/hands-stacked.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726155671/sdcoenet/iccsh3nulomwgmuj8awo/hands-stacked.jpg","width":460}])
The DEA San Diego Field Office will be hosting an open house on Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. Educators are welcome to attend this free event to learn about the DEA resources available for drug prevention education and safety resources.
![two students riding bikes with helmets. Silhouetted by the sun]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749577704/sdcoenet/osdl6uhkpp3yksgoa7e0/WH-Ebikes.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749577704/sdcoenet/osdl6uhkpp3yksgoa7e0/WH-Ebikes.png","width":460}])
The Scripps Health Injury Prevention Program in partnership with the American Bicycling Education Association is offering a free comprehensive e-bike education course to San Diego County teens.
![Bunch of oranges in a bowl]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1718748197/sdcoenet/tn1uqiofhvd6fozivd3p/lunch-students-04.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1718748197/sdcoenet/tn1uqiofhvd6fozivd3p/lunch-students-04.jpg","width":460}])
Nutrition support for kids doesn’t stop when the school year ends. There are several ways for families to find sites in their community that serve meals to kids up to age 18 at no cost. Learn more about the options to find summer meal sites, including SUN Bucks, the summer-EBT program.
![IKEA logo and heart apple]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748897468/sdcoenet/xim8f5b2fbrnsmiluhpa/WHIKEAteacherappr2025.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748897468/sdcoenet/xim8f5b2fbrnsmiluhpa/WHIKEAteacherappr2025.png","width":460}])
IKEA San Diego wants to celebrate educators with the IKEA Teacher Appreciation Event on Aug. 9. Teachers will enjoy a fun day of sweet treats, games, discounts, chances to win prizes, and more. This free event requires advance registration.
![Monarch student Jennifer a the dais at SD County Board of Education meeting]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1659738554/sdcoenet/jsehatiidhykg5d8eg6n/WH-female-students-smiling-art.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1659738554/sdcoenet/jsehatiidhykg5d8eg6n/WH-female-students-smiling-art.png","width":460}])
The California State Board of Education is currently accepting applications from rising high school juniors for a student board member position for the 2026-27 school year. The application deadline is Sept. 19.
![Happy Rose Elementary students reading in class]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706907587/sdcoenet/zfskquwcqdmf6ldznpih/outdoor-laughing.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706907587/sdcoenet/zfskquwcqdmf6ldznpih/outdoor-laughing.jpg","width":350}])
Discover summer reading programs with prizes and incentives for students, like the San Diego Public Library program, the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Journal, and many more!
![Drawing of a hand doing a thumbs up coming out of a black cog and Planet Fitness written at bottom]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1685573681/sdcoenet/etotsv87skxsprlgjagc/WHPlanetFitnesslogo_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1685573681/sdcoenet/etotsv87skxsprlgjagc/WHPlanetFitnesslogo_1.png","width":460}])
Planet Fitness is giving teenagers an opportunity to stay fit while classes are out for the summer. Through their free High School Summer Pass Program, students 14 to 19 years old can stay active during the summer months in a fun and safe environment.
Resources from SDCOE
![Image with a backpack and school supplies that says "Stuff the Bus" in the top right.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749856075/sdcoenet/fhdxtpu5pfyzckx0fnew/StufftheBus25_NewsSlider-Thumb_460x340.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749856075/sdcoenet/fhdxtpu5pfyzckx0fnew/StufftheBus25_NewsSlider-Thumb_460x340.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749856075/sdcoenet/fhdxtpu5pfyzckx0fnew/StufftheBus25_NewsSlider-Thumb_460x340.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749856075/sdcoenet/fhdxtpu5pfyzckx0fnew/StufftheBus25_NewsSlider-Thumb_460x340.jpg","width":958}])
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza and Heather Diamond from San Diego County Credit Union kicked off the Stuff the Bus campaign with CBS 8, sharing the positive impact donations have on students experiencing homelessness.
![American Red Cross logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750710826/sdcoenet/azld5tfztbki3bs2hvmb/Davila-emergency-hero.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1750710826/sdcoenet/azld5tfztbki3bs2hvmb/Davila-emergency-hero.jpg","width":460}])
The American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial counties is accepting nominations for their 23rd Annual Real Heroes Awards. This event raises awareness of local heroes making a positive impact in the community. A total of eight categories are represented and the winning heroes will be recognized in September at a ceremony aboard the USS Midway Museum.
![Four female teachers sit at a large table with laptops during a professional learning event.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1685631776/sdcoenet/p0u8xclxhmsawk5xbhse/teachers-professional-learning.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1685631776/sdcoenet/p0u8xclxhmsawk5xbhse/teachers-professional-learning.png","width":460}])
SDCOE has a variety of professional learning opportunities available to San Diego County educators at low or no cost this summer. Review them by topic and date and register to attend.
![raised hand in classroom]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1718739664/sdcoenet/mhtlkhx8lpzwsnklqj65/raised-hand.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1718739664/sdcoenet/mhtlkhx8lpzwsnklqj65/raised-hand.jpg","width":460}])
SDCOE has gathered resources to help educators, families, and program staff as they talk to students about global conflicts, including current events in Iran and Israel.
![Wildfire Preparedness Resource Guide with image of fire trucks]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1656443243/sdcoenet/pdmuymyztfyworzejykn/WildfirePreparednessResourceGuide460340px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1656443243/sdcoenet/pdmuymyztfyworzejykn/WildfirePreparednessResourceGuide460340px.png","width":460}])
SDCOE gathered resources to assist our school communities in preparing for wildfires, as well as the impacts resulting from poor air quality.
![Wall that says "PLAY" with balls in front]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748886874/sdcoenet/iqdhre6wfu6lsqktjxou/play-wall-balls-01-thumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748886874/sdcoenet/iqdhre6wfu6lsqktjxou/play-wall-balls-01-thumb.png","width":460}])
Summer 2025 is officially underway and the San Diego County Office of Education has compiled free and low-cost activities to help youth and families thrive.
