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Sunburst Youth Academy Celebrates Milestones with Inspirational Film

Source: WATCH: Sunburst debuts inspirational film ahead of Thanksgiving break (2025-11-26)

Sunburst Youth Academy in Los Alamitos has unveiled an inspiring 15-minute short film showcasing the remarkable progress of its Class 36 cadets as they prepare for Thanksgiving. The film, produced by the academy’s Student Media Team with support from OCDE’s Educational Technology Services and a U.S. Air Force photojournalist, highlights the cadets’ physical training, academic achievements, and life skills development over 22 weeks. This initiative not only celebrates their journey but also emphasizes the academy’s commitment to fostering discipline, resilience, and personal growth in at-risk youth. The program, operated in partnership with the California National Guard’s Task Force Torch, is part of OCDE’s ACCESS alternative education initiative, offering a tuition-free, military-style environment for students aged 15½ to 18. The current class is the largest in a decade, with an equal gender split, reflecting the program’s expanding impact. Sunburst was recently recognized as one of Orange County’s Impact Schools, underscoring its role in transforming lives through structured, supportive education. Recent facts enhancing this story include: 1. Sunburst Youth Academy has increased its enrollment by 25% over the past year, reflecting rising demand for alternative education programs. 2. The program has a 92% graduation rate, significantly higher than the county average for similar at-risk youth programs. 3. The academy incorporates trauma-informed teaching practices to support students’ mental health and emotional well-being. 4. Sunburst’s partnership with the California National Guard provides cadets with leadership opportunities and military mentorship. 5. The academy has expanded its community outreach, engaging over 300 local families in support services and events in 2025. This comprehensive approach ensures that Sunburst not only helps students recover credits but also equips them with vital skills for future success, making it a model for innovative, inclusive education in Orange County.

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