The 2002 Program consisted of three separate exchanges:
Osaka to Elk Grove
The Osaka to Elk Grove Program took place from June 19-August 2, 2002. Thirty students and five chaperones from Osaka spent two weeks studying the cultural aspects of Northern California.
The students, while attending summer school sessions at Laguna Creek High School and Elk Grove High School also stayed with American host families and participated in many educational, historical and cultural activities in the San Francisco and Sacramento area. The students from Osaka had the opportunity to experience rich diversity in the expanding Elk Grove area.
The Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) is the second fastest growing school district in the nation and has the 12th largest enrollment in California. The district covers more than 320 square miles and serves more than 38,000 students in the southern Sacramento County. Students in the District speak more than 60 languages and come from a wide arrange of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
In conjunction with this program, EGUSD is planning to implement an International Baccalaureate curriculum into their schools, with an emphasis on history, geography, cultural awareness, and language acquisition.
The California-Osaka relationship was cemented with ACR 113 (Vasconcellos) and later with the Cooperation Agreement signed by Governor Pete Wilson and Governor Kazuo Nakagawa on November 15, 1994.
Fremont to Saitama
From July 13-27, 2002, fifteen students and three chaperones from the Fremont Unified School District enjoyed two weeks in Saitama, Japan. The students attended classes at the respected Wako International High School and experienced Japanese culture through excursions meant to deepen their knowledge of the Japanese language and history. The students traveled to Saitama City, Nikko and the Saitama New Urban Center in Saitama City. They also had the privilege of meeting the Governor of Saitama, the Honorable Yoshihiko Tsuchiya and his senior staff. The students from Fremont learned more about Japanese culture by participating in many cultural events, such as the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.
The Fremont Unified School District has been selected by SchoolMatch as a 1997 award winning system, SchoolMatch recognizes the top ten percent of school districts nationwide which matches what parents say they want in a school system. In addition, Expansion Management magazine recently designated the Fremont Unified School District as a Blue Ribbon District for the third year in a row.
Wako International High School is one of the leading academic schools in the country. Founded in 1987 by Saitama prefecture in the hope that it would help prepare young people (aged 16-18 years) for leadership in the larger and interdependent world lying ahead of them, the school has since contributed to the innovation of the education of Saitama and of the whole country.
This relationship between the City of Fremont and the Saitama Prefecture began in 1979, when Fremont and Fukaya City became sister cities.
Shizuoka to Martinez
From July 20-August 2, 2002, thirty-four students and three chaperones from Shizouka spent two weeks in Martinez, where they were welcomed into the homes of Alhambra High School students and their families. The students of Martinez served as an example of what life is like at home and at school for a typical American student. The students from Shizouka received the distinct privilege of being honored in a Capitol Reception during which they had the pleasure to meet the Honorable Gray Davis, Governor of California. Shizouka’s scholars’ interaction with California’s democratic system gave them a unique opportunity to further their knowledge of America’s government, language and history.
The Martinez Unified School District serves the community of Martinez in northern Contra Costa County. The district's enrollment is 4,314. Students attend the district's four elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, continuation high school and an Independent Study program school. At present the district's K-12 grade enrollment is growing slightly each year. The district also offers a comprehensive Adult Education program which serves 25,600 students annually.
In 1995, the government of Shizuoka adopted the Internationalization Promotion Plan designed to develop global policy, including the development and implementation of original international exchanges, such as the California-Japan Scholars Program. Projects with Shizuoka, such as the California-Japan Scholars Program, are coordinated by JETRO Los Angeles office.
This program especially helped further students that are enrolled in Shizuoka Kita High School's international program. Students registered in those specifically designed classes, have advanced English language ability and a desire to be exposed to western civilizations.
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California Japan Scholars Program
1020 N Street, Suite 516 · Sacramento, California 95814
(916) 651-1515 · FAX (916) 323-7827
Email · California/Japan Scholars Program
