Alameda, CA – September 27, 2024 – The US Department of Education announced earlier this week that the Alameda Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) has been named a 2024 Blue Ribbon School. It is the second time the school has received this award; the first time was in 2015.

 

The award honors academically excellent elementary, middle, and high schools. Just 33 schools in California and 356 nationwide received the award. ASTI was designated an "Exemplary High Performing School," which means it is in the top 15 percent of schools statewide, as measured by various assessments.

 

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a press release issued on Monday. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities.”

 

 

ASTI, which was established in 2004, is an early college high school that provides an opportunity for students to take courses from colleges within the Peralta Community College District at the same time they are earning a high school diploma. About 50 percent of ASTI graduates complete an associate degree. About 65% complete earn the transfer credits accepted by the California State University and University of California systems.  

• Read ASTI’s Blue Ribbon Profile 

“We are excited to be named a Blue Ribbon School and especially heartened that this is happening in our 20th anniversary year,” says ASTI Principal Tracy Corbally. “Our school’s mission is to ensure all ASTI students, are provided the resources to attain a college degree from the institution of their choice. This designation is evidence that we are accomplishing our goal.” 

Nomination Details 

The US Department of Education invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.  

• See a list of all the winners    

“The National Blue Ribbon Award is one of the most prestigious awards that a public school in this country can win,” says Superintendent Pasquale Scuderi, “and I’d like to congratulate the ASTI community on earning it.  We are very proud of the hard work and discipline shown by ASTI’s administrative team, teachers, and students in sustaining and improving this early college program for the last two decades.” 

Noted Board President Jennifer Williams: “I’d like to express my gratitude to the Peralta Colleges generally – and the College of Alameda, specifically - for its steady partnership with AUSD and ASTI in providing this program and opportunity to AUSD students. These kinds of partnerships are crucial to our ability to support the very diverse needs and goals of Alameda students.”