Board renews partnership with CAST network; CAST STEM reports internships and college-credit progress

The board approved a new partnership agreement with the CAST network and heard a fall update from CAST leaders about enrollment, internships and dual-credit outcomes. A CAST representative identified as Jackie presented program highlights: 17 summer internship or work-based learning placements for students, eight participants in an AMT program with Toyota, and students placed with local employers including Toyotetsu and Southwest Research Institute. Jackie said CAST STEM High School has 236 students enrolled at the time of the report with a ninth-grade class of 103 and anticipated enrollment growth next year. "We have an A rating with two distinctions," Jackie said, noting distinctions in comparative academic growth and closing the gap. She told the board the class of 2026 is projected—based on current College, Career and Military Readiness indicators—to have 100% college- and career-ready status and that a high percentage of students will complete at least nine college credit hours at Palo Alto. Why it matters: the agreement formalizes roles and responsibilities between the district and CAST network for the school that operates at Palo Alto College and supports internships and college credit for students. The board approved the agreement by voice vote with no recorded opposition.