The National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) has formally voted to make Anaheim Union High School District’s Superintendent Michael B. Matsuda a member of the organization’s Board of Directors.
Mr. Matsuda was appointed to the NCCEP Board of Directors to enhance the organization’s mission of ensuring underserved students have the opportunity, skills and knowledge to pursue the education and training to achieve their career and life goals. NCCEP oversees the federal government’s largest secondary grant program, GEAR UP. Aaron Thompson, NCCEP Board Chair, stated that Mr. Matsuda’s “expertise and networks are valuable to our organization, and we are excited that he will play a central part in the evolution of NCCEP and GEAR UP as the recognized and trusted leader for increasing and supporting the career and education aspirations of low-income students.”
Ms. Adriana Badillo, GEAR UP Director at California State University, Fullerton, also confirmed Superintendent Matsuda’s leadership in NCCEP’s mission: “Mr. Matsuda is a life-long advocate for underserved student populations and his work in workforce development with the Anaheim Educational Pledge has been instrumental in creating more opportunities for our young student leaders.” Ms. Badillo went on to say, “It’s great to know Mr. Matsuda’s expertise on educational reformation will be seen on a national level.”
Since becoming AUHSD Superintendent in 2014, Mr. Matsuda has earned several accolades for his work as an innovator in supporting low-income students and giving underserved students a voice, including: one of twelve national “Leaders to Learn From” Award from Education Week Magazine, the “Visionary Education Leadership Award” from Cal State University, Fullerton, and the California Association for Bilingual Education Administrator of the Year Award. Additionally, Mr. Matsuda was named the California Council for the Social Studies Administrator of the Year for promoting democracy in public schools. AUHSD leads the state with ten California Democracy Schools, which promote student voice and civic engagement throughout the district.
When hearing of his appointment to the NCCEP Board of Directors, Superintendent Matsuda was “grateful to the NCCEP Board and the entire Anaheim Union High School District team for this great opportunity to serve students.”
