About Discovery Challenge Academy

Discovery Challenge Academy is a partnership between the California National Guard and San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE).  We are a free, life-changing 22-week residential program in which teens, ages 16-18, can earn 65 high school credits to complete their diploma, while developing life skills that will help them get back on track to a healthy and productive life. 

The SJCOE’s County Operated Schools and Programs (COSP) provides the educational component at Discovery, which is located at the Sharpe Army Depot in Lathrop. 

Discovery ChalleNGe Academy offers a highly structured environment that promotes leadership, cooperation, and academic skills, while building self-esteem, pride, and confidence. It is also part of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe program, the third in the state and the first in Northern California. Discovery ChalleNGe Academy serves several counties in Northern California, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Mariposa, Napa, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Siskiyou, and all other county in between.

About the Role

Under the direction of the Division Director of County Operated Schools and Programs, work as a member of an administrative team responsible for all County Operated Schools and Programs. Collaborate with state, COE and school district personnel to ensure compliance with state assessment and curricular mandates as well as develop innovative strategies for implementing effective programs for student learning in the challenging court and community school program.

Essential Functions

Essential functions may include but are not limited to:

1. Work effectively with school districts, community organizations, government and educational agencies, assessment and communication contractors, parents, students, and/or staff.
2. Maintain confidentiality on issues concerning program and staff.
3. Supervise and evaluate staff.
4. Participate, coordinate, facilitate, or conduct a variety of meetings, staff development, professional development, committees, trainings, workshops, and/or conferences in order to present material and information concerning state and department programs, services, operations, and activities.
5. Maintain current knowledge and interpret applicable rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, State and Federal laws, codes and regulations.
6. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
7. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
8. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
9. Work independently with little direction.
10. Meet schedules and timelines.
11. Prepare reports as needed for program and contracts.
12. Oversee and manage budgets.
13. All other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications

About San Joaquin County Office of Education

The San Joaquin County Office of Education is a regional agency that provides educational leadership, resources, and customized services to assist school districts. The SJCOE promotes student achievement and accountability, serves San Joaquin County’s most vulnerable students, and strives to create an environment in which every student, regardless of circumstances, has an opportunity for a quality education.

Connections working at San Joaquin County Office of Education