For two days in October, the ordinary rhythm of school gives way to something larger: a gathering of chefs and students, of instruction and ambition, of food and possibility. Rancho […]
News
Rancho Cielo’s Veggie Box Fundraiser Grows and Gives
Just a couple of weeks into the school year, Rancho Cielo’s 11th annual Veggie Box & BBQ Fundraiser—one of Monterey County’s largest community-involved fundraising events—once again proved what it has […]
Rancho Cielo’s Classic Car Program Keeps Vanishing Craft Alive
Most people come to Monterey Car Week to admire automotive history. At Rancho Cielo, students are learning how to preserve it. This year, two recent graduates helped do just that […]
Inside Rancho Cielo’s Reimagined Ag Tech Program
It is a sunny afternoon in May, and three goats are being blow-dried patiently near their pen at Hope, Horses & Kids’ stables, Rancho Cielo’s onsite nonprofit partner. Their fur […]
Rancho Celebrates Largest Graduating Class in its History
Rancho Cielo marked a historic milestone on Friday, June 12, when 93 students received their high school diplomas in what stands as the largest graduating class in the nonprofit’s […]
Rancho Cielo Partners with AIM Youth Mental Health
When students at Rancho Cielo sat down to design their own peer-to-peer survey questions, they didn’t ask about academic stress or college applications. Instead, they asked about safety and conflict […]
Ranch Cast
Food for Thought
Episode 55: Chef EJ Jimenez of Drummond Culinary Academy joins our student cohosts for a spirited discussion about DCA, cooking and teaching and learning. With the holidays just around the […]
Talking Baseball…and Classic Cars
Episode 54: Recorded at the Rancho Cielo Classic Car Show and book signing with Dusty Baker. We chat with the legendary former Giant, Dodger, and World Champion. We also hear […]
A Remarkable Life… A Unique Commitment
Episode 53: Terrific program as Ranch Cast welcomes Jackie Cruz, Hartnell College Director of Advancement. Jackie shares her story, challenges and dreams with our student cohosts. The conversation is both […]
Hands-On Learning
Episode 52: Terrific program about Rancho Cielo’s welding class with instructor Ty Brooks. Our student cohosts, Alejandro, Uriel, David and Daniel, join a fascinating discussion about what the class means […]
Taste of Markon
Episode 51: A great program from the Drummond Culinary Academy on the Rancho Cielo campus. We chat with Chris Casson from Markon, DCA Executive Chef EJ Jimenez, plus surprise guests […]
It Takes a Village
Episode 50: This week, Ranch Cast welcomes the folks from the Carmel Youth Center. Executive Director Kelly Schmidt and Teen Program Coordinator Katie Bruzzone join our own Tiffany Harbrecht and […]
Featured Newsletter
2026 Fall Newsletter
We welcome Interim CEO Susie Brusa back to Rancho Cielo. She was the first professional leader here and served for 12 years. Her heart has always been with our students and dedicated staff.
Here’s what she says still resonates after all these years: We serve young people aged 16 to 24 who have been marginalized and have had the fewest opportunities. We provide high school education, job training from industry professionals, mental health counseling, cultural affirmation and enrichment activities they deserve. We lift our youth up with our belief in their ability to succeed, because when they get what they need, they thrive.
