Student Advisory Board on Education (SABE)
Interested in making real changes in state educational policy?
Come together with peers to develop and present a reform proposal, present it directly to the California State Board of Education, and help the Board choose their next Student Board Member.
Applications Open Soon!
SABE can only accommodate 75 delegates, so check back and apply early!
Delegates are selected based on their passion for education reform, their involvement in their schools and communities, and with a goal of encouraging representation from all regions of the State.
At SABE, develop educational reform proposals to present them to the State Board of Education, and help the Board choose their new Student Board Member.
75 delegates from across the state work four long days to identify and discuss specific problems in the state’s education system.
Delegates divide into small groups, evaluate the issues that impact them, meet with legislative insiders, conduct research, and create solutions.
On the last day, each group presents its proposal to the State Board.
California is the only state that permits students a direct voice in the election of their Board of Education representative.
Each year, 12 students from across the state are nominated for the position of Student Board Member. The candidates appear in Sacramento to represent themselves.
The SABE delegation is tasked with narrowing the candidates down to 6.
The Board of Education then selects three finalists and the governor selects the successful Student Board Member.
Come to SABE to make sure your interests are represented in the Department of Education.
Represent your own values (and 6 milion public school students) in Sacramento
Applications open soon. Contact our SABE Director with questions.
Student-developed from start to finish
Student education proposals address problems that students care about and find solutions that serve their needs. Bring your own passion to the table.
Past proposal topics have included:
What if I want to attend a program but cannot afford to go?
We’d love to have you! CASC is able to provide a limited number of need-based scholarships for students to attend our programs; we distributed $33,000 in scholarships in 2024-2025 alone. Our funds aren’t unlimited, but we will always do our best to help you get to a CASC program.
“Every administrator should recommend the Student Advisory Board on Education Conference to their students, and sponsor them to go to it. It is a unique opportunity for students to grab a hold of one’s learning experience, to explore the nuances and background of the education system, to make a difference in teaching in a tangible way, and to represent the voices of the 6.3 million students across California.”
Past Years
Explore proposals, presentations, and coverage from past SABE conferences.
2025
Proposal topics included:
• AI in education
• Transparency in district budgeting and goals
• Providing inclusive opportunities for students with special education
• Increasing civic education and advocacy opportunities
• The opportunity and achievement gap for English-as-a-second-language students
• Mental health awareness
• Accessibility of adequate post-secondary counseling
2024
Watch the 2024 delegates present their proposals to the California State Board of Education, or read their proposals in text here. Topics included:
• Special Education mentorship programs through the CDE and SELPAs
• School safety educational resources
• English Language Learners support and assessments
• Student representation in Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act structures
• Peer mentorship program between grade levels
• Career pathway education/exploration events
• Addition of a student representative to California Workforce Pathways Joint Advisory Committee
2023
Proposal topics included:
• Incorporation of social and emotional wellness into Local Control and Accountability Plan
• Financial literacy education in Economics curriculum framework
• LCAP transparency and feedback
• Student voice in restorative justice decisions
• Career readiness education equity
• Global affairs incorporation into History-Social Science curriculum
• Institutional support for SABE program
2022
Proposal topics included:
• Universal Complaint Procedure accessibility
• Expanded History/Social Science curriculum to establish milestones related to political education
• School safety guidelines
• Peer mentoring programs in mental health
• LCAP community engagement
2021
Topics included:
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion development training
• Post-High School Preparedness handbook and standards
• School-based wellness centers
• Civic engagement in the quality schooling framework
• State-level blueprint for ensuring equitable education, the “Raise in School Equity” program
• Availability of socioeconomic support resources
2017
While we don’t have video recordings of SABE 2017, the program was highlighted in an article by the California School Boards Association.
Read More ›
Beyond SABE
After SABE, students have the unique opportunity to advance the proposals they created during the conference by participating in CASC’s other legislative conference, the Student Advisory Board on Legislation in Education (SABLE).
SABLE is a 6-month experience of engaging stakeholders, researching issues, and refining solutions that culminates with students presenting proposals on the floor of the CA State Assembly.
Though students may participate in either program individually, we strongly encourage SABE participants to apply to SABLE and participate as their proposals are refined and then introduced to California legislators.
