California College of the Arts
San Francisco Campus
1111 Eighth Street
T 415 703 9500
Oakland Campus
5212 Broadway
T 510 594 3600
Summit Public Schools—in partnership with California College of the Arts (CCA)—was among ten winners nationwide that were awarded 10 million USD to “reimagine high school,” as part of the yearlong Super School Project contest, backed by an organization headed by Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Apple founder Steve Jobs.
Nearly 700 teams nationally entered the Super School Project contest, submitting applications outlining how they would overhaul the public high school model.
“The Super School Project was born out of the conviction and commitment that every child from every background has a right to a quality education that prepares them for a future none of us can easily predict,” said Russlynn Ali, CEO of XQ Institute, which ran the contest.
The 10 million USD grant—disbursed over five years—will build a new school in Oakland, to be called Summit Elevate. In partnership with CCA, Summit designed Summit Elevate to provide high-quality, free, public school education in a personalized model that will meet the needs of a diverse student population. The school will feature a novel mentoring and advisory network that includes tutors, engaged professionals and community members who will support students in the pursuit of their academic and professional interests.
CCA’s students, alumni, and community and industry partners will provide a broad network of mentors for the Summit Elevate students. The college can offer invaluable connections and unique outside learning opportunities for students as they move from high school to college and on to their careers.
“CCA’s distinctive project-based pedagogy emphasizes interdisciplinary experimentation, risk-taking, and innovation, which makes the college a great cultural fit with Summit Schools,” stated CCA President Stephen Beal. “We are thrilled to play a part in revolutionizing high school education to help students on their path to success in college and ultimately in life.”
In addition to CCA, Oakland Unified School District; the Office of Mayor Libby Schaaf, City of Oakland; Gensler; and Silicon Schools Fund will serve as partners to the project as Summit continues to design and develop the school and engage the community.
About California College of the Arts
Founded in 1907, California College of the Arts (CCA) educates the creative leaders of tomorrow to make powerful contributions to society. CCA’s distinctive project-based educational model emphasizes interdisciplinary experimentation, risk-taking, and innovation.
CCA offers a rich curriculum of 22 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs in art, design, architecture, and writing taught by a faculty of expert practitioners. Students study a wide range of disciplines—from animation to architecture, fashion design to film, illustration to industrial design, and poetry to painting.
Coursework is guided by CCA’s founding vision that connecting artists to social, economic, and political life deepens the power of creative work and can change our world for the better.