Free Bus Fare Program Earns Moorpark Adult School Back-to-Back Recognition from State Agency

(Moorpark, California) Sept. 6, 2023—For the second year in a row, the Moorpark Adult School has been recognized by the California Adult Education Program for creating a “Model Program.”

While last year's recognition for Moorpark Adult School highlighted its innovative student referral system, this year, the school is being celebrated for Principal Sean Abajian’s efforts to provide free bus fare to the county's 10,000 adult school students.

Abajian learned Aug. 25 that his program was one of only 13 in California to earn the award. Moorpark Adult School’s program, "Free Rides for 10,000 Adult Students: A Consortium Partnership with the County Transportation Commission,” will be highlighted during the California Adult Education Program Summit this October in Universal City.

The three-day conference brings together over 700 participants who provide adult education services for nearly 166,000 Californians enrolled in programs across the state.

Abajian was instrumental in coordinating an agreement in December 2022 between the Ventura County Adult Education Consortium and the Ventura County Transportation Commission that allowed adult school students countywide to ride the bus for free.

“I’m excited that we’re able to provide leadership here in the county as a member of the Ventura County Adult Education Consortium,” Abajian said. “Anything we can do to remove barriers from our adult students attending school and programs so that they can achieve their career and education goals, is well worth the time and effort.”

The principal said more than winning the recognition, he was excited to announce that the free bus fare program has been extended for another year.

"Given Mr. Abajian’s phenomenal track record of growing the programs offered at the Moorpark Adult School, it comes as no surprise that he is once again being recognized by his peers for his leadership in bringing free bus rides to adult school students,” Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays said. “His work is just one more way that Moorpark Unified is truly connecting with every student, every day.”

The California Adult Education Program (CAEP), created in 2015, is a partnership between the California Community College Chancellor's Office and the California Department of Education to help implement regional plans for adult education statewide.

There are 71 regional groups across the state that include members from community colleges, K–12 adult schools, county offices of education and a variety of community partners, including local workforce investment boards, libraries and community-based organizations.

For more information about Moorpark Adult School, call Principal Abajian at (805) 378-6317 or go online to www.mrpk.org/adulted.