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
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 […]
Finding Your Voice
Episode 49: A terrific first show of the academic year, featuring the After School Program. Joining me are student co-hosts Jose Mendoza and Javier; Rancho’s Director of Student Services, Dawn […]
Radio Royalty
Episode 48: We welcomed “Showbiz” morning legend from KDON. What a terrific fellow. Our student co-hosts Reuben and Jose had a great time chatting about music and radio with him. […]
The Legend Continues
Episode 47: A discussion about one of the peninsula’s great traditions, the Monterey Jazz Festival, with Managing Director Bobbie Young. Bobbie fills us in on this year’s highlights along with […]
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.
