District Announcement 📣

LONG BEACH UNIFIED STUDENT ANNOUNCED AS 2024 LINKED LEARNING STUDENT OF THE YEAR

[LONG BEACH, CA., 5月9日, 2024] - The Linked Learning Alliance has announced student Maria Ignatencu of the 长滩 Unified School District as one of 11 recipients of the 2024 Linked Learning Students of the Year Award. 

Ignatencu is enrolled in the engineering pathway at 菠菜网lol正规平台’s 佐藤 Academy of Mathematics and Science. The pathway holds a gold certification from the Linked Learning Alliance — the organization’s highest standard for college and 职业生涯 preparation.

The Student of the Year Award recognizes civic excellence, honoring students who have made meaningful contributions to their community through their Linked Learning pathway experience. Awardees were nominated by educators and partners in their communities.

“My experiences in school have helped me to see all the different engineering pathways I can take after high school. Field trips and presenters have shown me all the 职业生涯s available and the kinds of education that I need to succeed in different paths that my life can take,” shared Ignatencu. “I plan on getting internships for more hands-on experiences, and going to college to specialize in mechanical or aerospace engineering.”

“Maria Ignatencu’s recognition as Linked Learning Student of the Year is a profound testament to her exceptional dedication and innovation in the engineering pathway at 佐藤 Academy,” Superintendent Dr. 吉尔一. 贝克说. “Her achievements exemplify the synergy between academic rigor and practical application, a cornerstone of our education system. Congratulations to Maria for meeting the high standards of excellence we strive for in 长滩 Unified.”

“The Alliance is committed to centering our work in the student experience. This award underscores how Linked Learning students are making connections far beyond the classroom to enhance their own learning — and that this benefit is mutual, carried into the communities and workplaces where these students are active,” said Anne Stanton, President and CEO of the Linked Learning Alliance. “Our biggest congratulations to these amazing students! We are excited to watch them pursue their college and 职业生涯 dreams.”

Linked Learning is a proven approach to education that integrates rigorous academics with real-world learning and strong support services to prepare students for success in college, 职业生涯, 和生活. Through Linked Learning, students learn in educational pathways that intentionally connect the classroom to local business and civic life to encourage students to discover their power and make a real difference in their communities.

Learn more about the 2024 Linked Learning Student of the Year from the 长滩 Unified School District:

Maria Ignatencu
Engineering Pathway, 佐藤 Academy of Mathematics and Science
Maria regularly shares her knowledge and passion to spark young students’ interest in STEM fields. She coaches a middle school drone soccer team, helps run summer and winter drone camps for elementary students and regularly participates in STEM demonstrations and outreach events. As she researches and develops plans for younger students, Maria is building her own confidence and capability on her path to the future.