Rising Community School Developments
Across the Country

 

Community Schools continue to take root and expand in communities all across the country. The following local community school networks are featured as rising stars in the community school movement for their sustained commitment to strengthening schools, families and communities so that children and youth succeed.

Evansville, IN -Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation
In the fall of 2000, the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation decided to "grow" the successful local Cedar Hall Elementary School full-service school model into other district schools. The goal was to create "collaboration" between schools and community organizations to maximize community resources. Over 70 community agencies now sit at the table. They are working together to find creative ways to support children and families in the community at the school site.

Philadelphia, PA- University-Assisted Community Schools, Center for Community Partnerships and West Philadelphia Improvement Corps

University-Assisted Community Schools at the University of Pennsylvania recently won the prestigious William T. Grant Foundation Youth Development Prize for excellence in youth development and increasing the opportunities for young people to move successfully through adolescence.

Chicago, IL - The Campaign to Expand Community Schools in Chicago
Superintendent of the second largest school district in the country, Arne Duncan has announced the opening of 100 community schools over the next 5 years.

Indianapolis, IN -Bridges to Success, Central Indiana
Bridges To Success (BTS) is the flagship local United Way effort to create community schools. Now in 43 schools, BTS is planning expansion into other schools in Indianapolis, as well as other outlying schol districts in the United Way service area.

Lincoln, NE - Lincoln Community Learning Centers Initiative
Lincoln Community Learning Centers Initiative has created 13 comprehensive learning centers. Lincoln is unique in organizing arrangements at community school system, school and neighborhood levels.

Portland, OR - The SUN Schools Initiative
The SUN Initiative is a collaboration of city, county, state and school districts in Portland/Multnomah County, Oregon. SUN Schools work to extend the school day and strive to be a community "hub" by linking with other community institutions, such as the libraries, parks and community centers, neighborhood health clinics and area churches and businesses.

 

The Coalition encourages other community school local networks to let us know about developments that are happening to strengthen schools, families and communities in your area! Please email ccs@iel.org with any news or information you would like to share!!