“My advice is not to get pregnant when you’re still in school – you should get your life together before you bring another person into the world,” says Edalid Berumen. The 17 year-old mother’s understanding of life today is very different than it was when she got pregnant at the age of 15. Once her baby Cynthia was born, Edalid thought she was on her way to being a high-school dropout.

She wanted to stay in school, but it didn’t look possible. Fortunately, Edalid learned about The Fruitvale Academy, which is helping her to get her high school diploma and continue to college.

The Alameda County Office of Education recently opened The Fruitvale Academy in Oakland’s Fruitvale/San Antonio neighborhood.  The academy currently serves 43 students, including a few boyfriends of the girl students. Day-care is provided for Edalid’s daughter when Edalid is in class.

The academy is part of the California School–Age Families Education Program (Cal-SAFE), a teen-parent program providing academic instruction and support services for expectant and parenting teens and their children.  Cal-SAFE/Fruitvale Academy’s goal is to enable motivated students to complete their high school education, to secure gainful employment, and ultimately, to become fully reliant.

“Young women are dropping out of high school without completing their essential general education,” said Sheila Jordan, Alameda County of Education Superintendent. “We have worked on the Cal-SAFE program for over eight years and are proud to bring it back to young mothers in the Fruitvale district,” she adds.  “We are committed to growing the capacity of the community and with programs like these we pave the way to enriching people’s lives.”

“I didn’t even know that a program was like this available,” says Edalid. She says that when she learned about it she was very interested in getting her diploma. Normally she’d have to wait until she’s 18 to go to an adult school to get her diploma. Speaking about teen mothers in general, Edalid says, “They think that once you have your kid you have to stop your life, stay home and take care of your kid. But with this you can keep going and do other things with your life.”

Maria Cordero has been teaching at the Oakland school for five years and she really enjoys helping alternative students. “It is rewarding to see how they change and become independent,” she says.  “They realize that they have the power to make the choices that they want, but they have to live with it, so they become responsible,” she adds. “It is rewarding to see them achieving their academic goals and when they don’t give up.”

In partnership with Even Start, an early childhood development program, parenting teens at The Fruitvale Academy also get the human development and life skills necessary to cope with their new roles as parents as well as learn how to provide a safe and caring environment for their young children.

Once she gets her high school diploma, Edalid wants to attend college. “I’m aiming to go straight to a university or four year college, that’s my goal,” she says. “I think that in order to be successful in life you have to be an educated person – education is the foundation of success,” she asserts.  “If you don’t go to school, you won’t be successful in life, plus it gives your kid an example,” she concludes.

Though programs like those offered by the Fruitvale Academy are making life easier for teen mothers, girls like Edalid testify as to how hard it is being a young mother. “Don’t have a kid until you’re ready,” she advises. It’s a big responsibility to put on your self – it’s not easy.”

For further information about the Fruitvale Academy go to www.acoe.org or call 510-670-7725.