Merced County Probation Named as an ACTE Business-Education Partnership Award Winner
ALEXANDRIA, VA - The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and its Board of Directors are pleased to announce Merced County Probation in Merced, CA as a 2026 ACTE Business-Education Partnership Award Winner. The Business-Education Partnership Award celebrates the contributions and achievements of schools and businesses that aid in the development and maintenance of partnerships supporting high-quality career and technical education (CTE).
Merced County Probation is addressing the challenges facing justice-involved youth through innovative career and technical education initiatives that prepare students for long-term success. At the heart of this work is the RISE to Higher Grounds Café Mobile Program, proudly serving Peet’s Coffee, which provides incarcerated and at-risk youth with real-world job training, industry certifications, and the chance to develop critical workplace and life skills.
Developed in partnership with the Merced County Office of Education (MCOE) and supported by organizations including GAEN, Worknet, and the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), the program combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning. Youth complete the Culinary Essentials curriculum, earning Food Handlers certifications and gaining barista, customer service, and point-of-sale experience. With guidance from staff with restaurant management and food service backgrounds, students apply their skills through operation of a mobile coffee cart that serves the community at local events, building confidence while engaging positively with the public.
Beyond technical training, the program provides stipends, work attire, financial literacy support, and access to internships, ensuring participants have the resources needed to succeed after release. Since its launch in 2023, ten students have graduated, all earning certifications and meaningful work experience. One participant was even able to pay off restitution using income earned through the program, a powerful example of how economic empowerment supports rehabilitation and reintegration.
In 2024, the program was recognized with the Merced County Mission, Vision, Values Award for its innovation and impact. Thealigning with the ACTE Quality CTE Program of Study Framework®, the partnership has created a model that reduces recidivism, promotes equity, and opens doors to high-wage, high-demand careers, helping youth reenter their communities with the skills, confidence, and support to thrive.
Merced County Probation will be recognized alongside other national ACTE award winners on December 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. ET, at the annual ACTE Awards Gala. For more information on the Excellence Awards and the Awards Gala, visit: http://www.acteonline.org/awards.
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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources.
