The Wonderful Company Vice Chair and Co-Owner Lynda Resnick today welcomed California State Superintendent Tom Torlakson to the Wonderful College Prep Academy (WCPA) in Delano for a tour of the new $80 million state-of-the-art campus. Both were on hand to participate in a student assembly where seniors publicly announced for the first time their college choices.

This year, 100 percent of the 2018 graduates are going on to college or a work fellowship, with 89 percent attending a four-year university. In comparison, only 15 percent of residents in Kern County hold a Bachelor’s degree. In addition, 86 percent of this year’s graduating class will be the first in their families to attend college, and this year marks the highest number of students accepted to private institutions, including the Ivy League, and UC schools. One is even a Gates Scholar recipient, and was accepted to Harvard and Yale, among other top schools.

These remarkable results are amplified by the success the program has had in helping students succeed in college even after they’ve graduated high school, through ongoing support and tutoring provided by the Wonderful Education team. Nationally, first generation, low income students earn their bachelor’s degree at a rate of just 9 percent. Meanwhile, WCPA past grads are pacing toward a 70 percent college completion rate and, more notably, 2017 graduates (currently college freshmen) are tracking towards an 85% college completion rate.

“Through our charter schools, we’re taking measurable steps to change the cycle of poverty and neglect that many of the Central Valley’s children have endured for generations,” said Lynda Resnick. “Not only are these kids getting into excellent four-year universities, but with our continued support throughout their college career they’re actually succeeding. What these kids and our dedicated Wonderful Education team have accomplished in a short period of time is simply remarkable and proves that every child, no matter their background or zip code, can earn a college education when they have the right opportunities.”

Additional Highlights:

• Wonderful Education’s strong academic program has made WCPA the #1 high school in Delano and in the top four in ELA and math out of all high schools in Kern County.

• More than 30 percent of the graduating class includes the first Agricultural Career Prep students, with 90 percent earning an Associate of Science degree in Ag Business with their high school diploma. Ag Prep prepares graduates to either enter the company’s skilled Ag workforce with a guaranteed high-paying job, or go to a four-year college, entering as a junior and finishing in half the time, at half the cost.

• This year, Wonderful Education awarded 223 college scholarships to employees’ children and Central Valley youth. Next year, 350 college scholarships are expected to be awarded.

• Wonderful Education prepares kids for jobs of the 21^st century through an intensive middle school STEM curriculum. Students experience hands-on learning with state-of-the-art technology, including robotics, 3D printing and hydroponics.

About The Wonderful Company

The Wonderful Company is a privately held $4 billion global company dedicated to harvesting health and happiness around the world. Its iconic brands include FIJI® Water, POM Wonderful®, Wonderful® Pistachios & Wonderful® Almonds, Wonderful® Halos®, Teleflora®, JUSTIN® Wines and Landmark® Wines.

The Wonderful Company’s connection to consumers has health at its heart and giving back in its DNA. To learn more about The Wonderful Company, its products and core values, visit www.wonderful.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

innovative health and wellness programs, including two new, free primary care clinics for employees and their dependents.

To learn more about The Wonderful Company, its products and core values, visit www.wonderful.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Wonderful Education

Wonderful Education’s mission is to enable a lifetime of career opportunities by significantly increasing the number of college graduates in the Central Valley. Funded by Lynda and Stewart Resnick, owners of The Wonderful Company, Wonderful Education™ serves 55,000 students and partners with educational leaders, colleges, and teachers across 24 school districts to improve educational opportunities and enhance the quality of life for children throughout California’s Central Valley. Initiatives include agricultural career training, college scholarships, school grants, summer camps, arts education, early childhood programs and preschools, teacher development and parent engagement programs. The Resnicks also founded the Wonderful College Prep Academy charter schools in Delano and Lost Hills, California.

For more information, visit: www.wonderfuleducation.org