Education Matters

Central Valley schools are embracing the concept of "community schools," where educators,

Young children at the La Vera Williams Early Learning Center in Fresno are having fun while gaining valuable knowledge. Fresno Unified is dedicated to early education, offering full-day, year-round programs. Despite the benefits of early learning, California doesn't mandate school attendance until age six, placing some children at a disadvantage. Educators emphasize the importance of informing parents about early education options to better prepare their children for future success.

Rizpah Bellard runs a front porch summer school in her neighborhood, where she teaches local children math, reading, and vocabulary. Her efforts provide a much-needed educational resource, especially for kids who missed out on formal summer school. Bellard's initiative has garnered community support, turning her porch into a vibrant learning hub and fostering a sense of togetherness.

Thank you to our sponsors – Chevron, Educational Employees Credit Union, CalViva Health, and Fresno Pacific University!

The Foundation at the Fresno County Office of Education has been bridging community partners and educational needs for 15 years. Established in 2009 in response to budget cuts, the Foundation supports schools through generous donations and annual fundraisers. Recent grants, such as one from Kaiser Permanente, fund innovative programs like a life skills kitchen for special needs students, providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities.

Thank you to our sponsors – Chevron, Educational Employees Credit Union, CalViva Health, and Fresno Pacific University!

Fresno County Superintendent of Schools is supporting Expanded Learning Programs (ELP) across 31 districts, offering students valuable enrichment opportunities. At Jefferson Elementary in Kings Canyon Unified, activities like boxing are part of the program, while Eric White Elementary in Selma Unified balances academics with enrichment, engaging over 1,200 students. These partnerships aim to enhance learning and provide essential support outside regular school hours.

The Fresno City College campus is alive with the sounds of music and arts, as the FCSS Summer Arts Program returns for its third year! Thanks to the partnership with the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, students enjoy free classes in concert band, dance, photography, and more. Esteemed instructors like Joel Abels, Jennifer Coull and Paul Barber bring a wealth of experience to students eager to explore and develop their artistic talents.

CTEC High School's Robotics Team, the Titans, hosted their first-ever Robo Summer Camp, ta

Thanks to the CalKIDS program, California parents can now start saving for their children'

The Washington Unified School District celebrates a milestone with 144 students reclassified from English learners to fluent speakers. Rosa Lopez and Maria Rodriguez, who faced significant challenges and self-doubt, successfully passed the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, thanks to the dedication of their teachers and staff.

Thank you to our sponsors – Chevron & Educational Employees Credit Union!