Veteran, committed teachers. Safe, stable schools. Expanding curriculum and learning opportunities. Enthusiastic children. It's never been a better time to be a student or an educator in Bedford County's public schools. Six districts and one technical center enroll more than 9,000 kindergarten through twelfth-grade students annually. These students attend schools that have demonstrated the ability to produce outstanding graduates - students who are being recognized in national and regional competitions and who go on to excel in higher education and the work force.

County schools have strong programs to foster volunteerism and promote character building. Bedford County schools have extremely low incidences of truancy, discipline problems, violence and drug abuse. This is born out by drop-out rates that are often below 1 percent - less than half the Pennsylvania and national average. Student involvement and commitment is further buoyed by strong participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, academic competitions and clubs - at many districts 50 percent above national averages.

Volunteerism in the form of community service assumes many forms and is sponsored by many clubs and organizations throughout Bedford County. Examples include "A Day of Youth Service;" community plays, athletes coaching youth squads, musical and arts performances, visits to elderly care facilities, senior citizens teas and proms. National Programs in Bedford County include Make a Difference Day and the National Youth Service Day, both community service programs that encourage volunteerism at a local level.

All districts also participate in county School-to-Work efforts, bringing the world-of-work to life for its students and building close ties with local businesses and industries. The partnership links students, parents, educators, employers and the community. For example, eighth graders participate in Career Quest, Career Fairs and Groundhog Job Shadowing Days. Fifth and sixth graders learn about a variety of careers through week-long Career Camps, eleventh graders learn first-hand about careers through job shadowing, twelfth graders attend job fairs and ninth graders travel to local businesses and industries for tours.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education publishes yearly profiles of all public schools district that include results from annual Pennsylvania System of School Assessment exams. These reports consistently place Bedford County at or above the state average - demonstrating that despite the county's history of low educational attainment, the next generation of graduates will be better educated and better able to lead the county through the 21st century.