EMERGE
EMERGE
Part of the Quest Academy Family
EMERGE is a specialized educational program of the Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) created to provide young women with a supportive, engaging, and personalized pathway toward academic success and their futures. Our mission to provide a safe, healing-centered, and personalized school environment where girls and young women reconnect with learning, rebuild confidence in themselves, and develop 21st century skills that empower them to thrive.
Student Enrollment
Students are referred to ACOE Schools through their school district of residence, child welfare agency or the probation department. Enrollment is for one semester to a calendar year and may be extended.
To Enroll in EMERGE:
- Download and or Print the EMERGE Enrollment Packet and referral form
- Complete the EMERGE Enrollment packet and be sure to include both the parent and student's signatures.
- Email the enrollment packet and completed Referral Form to spasenrollment@acoe.org
A Message from the Superintendent
History and Background
EMERGED was launched in 2016 in partnership with The Mentoring Center, The National Black Women’s Justice Institute, and MISSSEY, with an aim to serve young women in high school whose educational journeys may not have followed a traditional path. Our program is designed around the belief that every young person deserves access to a high-quality education, meaningful relationships with caring adults, and opportunities to discover their strengths, build confidence, and imagine what comes next.
In 2026, EMERGE entered a new chapter with its move to Destiny Arts Center in Oakland. The new setting reflects the program's whole-person approach to education. Alongside academics, students have opportunities to participate in movement and the arts, wellness programming, mentorship, career exploration, and other experiences made possible through partnerships with community-based organizations.
At EMERGE, learning extends beyond the classroom. Students work toward academic progress and graduation while exploring four interconnected areas of growth: identity, learning, community and belonging, and the future. Through small-group instruction, individualized support, enrichment, and real-world experiences, students are encouraged to become critical thinkers who are prepared for their next steps.
The name EMERGE reflects what we hope the program makes possible: a space where young women can recognize their own strengths, develop their voices, build meaningful connections, and emerge with a clearer sense of who they are and where they want to go.
Program Highlights
Visually highlighting what makes our program unique:
- Small, relationship-centered learning environment
- Blended academic model
- Individualized academic support
- Enrichment and creative programming
- Wellness and healing-centered supports
- Mentorship and community connections
- College, career, and real-world learning opportunities
Community Partners
MISSSEY
MISSSEY (Motivating, Inspiring, Supporting, and Serving Sexually Exploited Youth) is an Oakland-based organization that supports youth and young adults through prevention, advocacy, education, and trauma-informed services.
Destiny Arts Center
Destiny Arts Center is an Oakland-based youth development organization that uses dance, martial arts, and creative expression to help young people build confidence, community, and leadership skills.
DREAM Youth Clinic
Dream Youth Clinic provides youth-centered wellness services and internship preparation, helping young people strengthen their well-being while building the skills, confidence, and experience needed for future education and employment.
Life at EMERGE
Learning
Small-group, personalized academics focused on building skills, earning credits, and connecting learning to students’ lives and goals.
Enrichment & Wellness
Martial arts, dance, wellness, mentorship, and opportunities for self-expression through our community partners.
Career & Future Readiness
Career exploration, internship preparation, guest speakers, field trips, and real-world experiences that help students plan what comes next.