Education Matters

Community Health Workers in Parlier Unified are doing more than connecting families to resources—they’re helping students achieve lifelong dreams. Learn how a state initiative called CalAIM helped one young woman overcome health challenges and return to school to earn her diploma.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University

From humble beginnings to world champions—Selma High School’s concert percussion ensemble is making noise on the national stage. See how this award-winning group built their program from the ground up and brought home gold from the Winter Guard International World Championships.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University
 

Students at Fresno County’s CTEC High School are getting hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology thanks to a new partnership with Trion Supercars. CEO Richard Patterson is involving students in the development of an electric supercar and a groundbreaking metal-less battery project—experiences that are drawing national attention. With industry leaders and even celebrities like Romeo Miller backing the school, CTEC continues to prove it's shaping the future of tech and engineering.

For many, graduating college is a dream delayed—but Fresno Pacific University’s Degree Completion Program is helping students like Sarah Gutierrez and Haillie Benetti turn that dream into a reality. Whether returning after years away or juggling caregiving responsibilities, these students are proving it's never too late to finish what you started. See how determination, flexibility, and community are transforming lives.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University

A middle school student from Huron turned her cheesecake craving into a real ice cream flavor that was featured at a popular Fresno shop. But it was more than just a sweet treat—it was part of an anti-drug campaign created through Club Live, an afterschool program that empowers students to promote healthy choices and build leadership skills through creative projects. See how "Strawberry Your Worries" helped students take a stand and inspire their community.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University

Students, parents, and school leaders participated in walk audits around Fresno County schools to spotlight unsafe routes children take to campus. The audits, part of the Walk, Bike, Roll initiative, aim to improve sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks in areas like Adams and Calwa Elementary, where traffic dangers are a daily concern. County officials will use the findings to push for safer, more walkable school routes.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University.

Students in Jamie Marrash’s special education class at Selma High brought their reading to life by creating and premiering their own film, The Time Tangle, inspired by H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine. From scriptwriting to costume design and set building, the students were involved in every step of the filmmaking process. The red-carpet premiere showcased not just their creativity but also the power of inclusion and hands-on learning.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University

From dreaming outside its gates to preparing for graduation, Juan Molinero Cortes’ journey at Fresno Pacific University shows the power of opportunity. Ranked first in the nation for social mobility among private universities, FPU is helping first-generation students like Juan and Paulina achieve their dreams and build a better future for their families.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University

When students at University High in Fresno heard about the devastating fire at Palisades Charter High School, they sprang into action. They collected school supplies, wrote thousands of handwritten cards, and hand-delivered them with a message of hope and solidarity. From one charter school to another, they reminded students in Southern California they are not alone.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University

Students from 16 schools gathered at the Caruthers Fairgrounds for the Design Build competition, where they gained hands-on experience in construction, welding, culinary arts, and more. With mentors from the industry, they followed real-world protocols and built projects like a new ticket booth for Mendota High. The event wrapped up with an awards ceremony, recognizing students with trophies, scholarships, and funds for their school programs.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University