EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
The EdTech & Innovation team supports educators, school leaders, and districts across Santa Cruz County with professional learning, coaching, and strategic planning — so every school can navigate the future of teaching and learning with confidence. Last year, we served 1,100+ educators and staff through 72 sessions — more than 40 of them custom-designed for specific schools and districts.
Here’s how we can support you:
Professional Learning — Custom PD on AI, edtech tools, and blended learning; AI tools coaching (Brisk, Gemini, Canva, Magic School, and more); EdTech Playgrounds.
Student & Community Engagement — YETI innovation challenges, Padcasters media storytelling, Computer Science Education Week Community Nights.
Leadership & Strategy — Technology Leader community of practice, Technology Task Force facilitation, Digital Literacy & AI planning support, Makerspace planning.
All offerings are customizable to your district or site needs.
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter/X at @EdTech_trlblzrs to stay connected and inspired!
Meet the EdTech Trailblazers at Santa Cruz COE — a passionate team committed to driving innovation in education. Led by Chief Technology & Innovation Officer Jason Borgen, our team brings together EdTech & Innovation TOSA Stephanie Sumarna, Maker Space TOSA Darren Gertler (the driving force behind our WaveMakers program), and Department Office Coordinator Lili Chavez. Together, we are dedicated to empowering educators with future-ready tools and strategies. Our mission is to equip schools across Santa Cruz County with cutting-edge resources that prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow — and to support educators in navigating the evolving landscape of education with confidence and creativity.
resources
Explore our curated tools, guides, and lending resources — designed to support educators in building future-ready classrooms. From AI strategies to hands-on equipment, everything here is free and available to Santa Cruz County educators.
Programs
Looking for professional learning, coaching, or student programs?
Explore our full 2026–27 Learning & Engagement Menu — a complete guide to everything we offer, from AI coaching to makerspace planning to community events. All offerings are customizable to your district or site.
AI App Academy — Summer 2026
High school students in grades 9–12 are invited to spend three weeks building real apps using AI — and competing in the Congressional App Challenge. Earn a Google AI certificate, work alongside peers from across the county, and present your project to a live panel at the Santa Cruz COE.
Artificial Intelligence
AI Explorers is an initiative of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Santa Cruz COE) dedicated to supporting educators in navigating the possibilities and responsibilities of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning. By equipping educators with cutting-edge tools, strategies, and collaborative networks, the program fosters confident, critical, and creative uses of AI across the curriculum.
Computer Science Education Week
Computer Science Community Nights, hosted by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Santa Cruz COE), bring students, families, and educators together to explore the creativity and problem-solving at the heart of computing. Through hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, and engaging resources, participants experience how computer science connects to their lives and future opportunities. These events celebrate curiosity, collaboration, and innovation while opening doors to future-ready skills for all learners.
Design & Engineering
WaveMakers: Design, Engineering & Robotics across the Curriculum is an initiative by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education to expand hands-on learning through makerspaces, CTE pathways, and innovative teaching practices. By integrating engineering, robotics, and design-thinking across subjects, WaveMakers equips educators and students with the skills needed for the future.
Drone Progam
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is excited to partner with the Drones Uplifting California Communities (DUCC) initiative—a Train-the-Trainer program led by UCSC’s CIDER and the Monterey Bay Tech Hub. This 8-week hybrid program equips educators from underrepresented communities with FAA exam prep, in-person flight training, and curriculum development support.
Robotics Club
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is excited to partner with the the X Academy to offer a two free Robotics Clubs. One club will be in North County and one club will be in South County. These clubs run through the school year and are available for all high school aged students countywide.
Think Big
We are welcoming 100 high school students from across the entire county for a hands-on career exploration experience. Students will: Learn about your company and mission, Explore career pathways in innovation and entrepreneurship, Engage in small-group conversations with professionals. This is a low-pressure, high-impact opportunity to inspire the next generation.