As the philanthropic arm of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, the Foundation supports essential programs and services to ensure students achieve their full academic potential.
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Our Mission
The Foundation @ FCOE is committed to the goal of extending greater opportunities to Fresno County students. We serve over 206,000 students, with a focus on closing the achievement gap. Learn More
The Foundation @ FCOE in 2022-23 raised over $3.9 million to enhance, build and help sustain essential programs that support students in the areas of health, equity, academics, agriculture, the arts, athletics, and more. Learn More
Superintendent Michele Cantwell-Copher, Ed.D. and The Foundation @ FCOE Board of Directors invite you to join us at the FCOE Honors Gala on Saturday evening, September 20, 2025. The Gala will be held at the Fresno City College, Old Administration Building. The event will feature a social hour and silent auction at 6:00 p.m. followed by a multifaceted tribute performance at 7:00 p.m. and an after-theatre dinner at 8:00 p.m. in the courtyard under the stars.
The January Superintendent's Superstar is Rylee, an 8th grade student at Rafer Johnson Junior High School in the Kingsburg Elementary Charter School District. As this months’s Superstar recipient for her school, she possesses a heart full of resilience and a radiant spirit. Her journey through middle school has been anything but easy. Rylee has risen above, continually inspiring her peers, teachers and community with her strength and determination. Rylee is known for her cheerful disposition and unwavering commitment to embodying her school’s core values of patience, integrity, justice, humanity, and courage.
The 2025 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Reception took place this month, celebrating the remarkable achievements of student winners in the speech, art, and essay categories of the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Competition Series hosted by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. This year’s theme, “Dreaming Together: Changed by the Past, Molding the Future,” challenged students to explore their dreams—whether inspired by a historical figure or someone in their own lives. The competion brings together an inspiring group of young minds who demonstrated creativity, thoughtfulness, and a deep understanding of the values Dr. King championed.
The Educator of the Year Awards is a special ceremony that celebrates and honors the incredible educators of Fresno County who go above and beyond in shaping the lives of their students. These dedicated individuals inspire, motivate, and empower the next generation, fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and personally. The awards provide an opportunity to recognize the hard work, passion, and commitment of those who play such a crucial role in the success and growth of their students, making a lasting impact on both their educational journeys and futures.
The Health Youth Corps Conference, hosted by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools-Health Services Department on November 18, focused on empowering students from the Central Valley to play an active role in promoting community health, both now and as future leaders. This impactful event welcomed students from Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, and Tulare counties, giving them a platform to explore how they can influence the region's health outcomes and to deepen their understanding of health equity.
Since 2020, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation has provided significant funding to expand arts education in Fresno County’s rural school districts. Through these grants, the FCSS Arts Education Department has been working with a cohort of like-minded educators to develop arts-focused strategies and lessons for classrooms. Today’s generation deserves rich educational experiences that extend beyond traditional classroom learning, ensuring that theater remains a vibrant part of our communities.
New year, new opportunities for Fresno County students to help them discover their talents, interests, and passions. The FCSS CTE/ROP Department hosted the annual Career Tech Expo at Chukchansi Park on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The Expo welcomed students to explore various career opportunities in industries such as medical and finance, automotive and transportation, building trades and construction, early childhood education, agriculture, energy and utilities, hospitality and tourism, manufacturing, public safety, engineering, architecture, and small business.
The FCOE Honors is an annual honor given to local community members who enrich education and the lives of Fresno County students through Academics, Agriculture, Arts, and Athletics. The honorees are recognized at the FCOE Honors Gala awards banquet and fundraiser. Proceeds from the Gala help build, enhance, and advance essential programs and services coordinated by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools.
The Bonner Family Foundation made a generous $10,000 gift to the Scout Island Outdoor Education Center. The Scout Island Outdoor Education Center is located along the San Joaquin Riverwith within Fresno City limits. Scout Island provides outdoor educational experiences for students throughout the eighty-five acres of invaluable habitat for native wildlife and riverside vegetation.
Approximately 600 students in grades 3-12 pushed their academic limits to compete in this year's elementary and secondary competitions of the Science Olympiad hosted by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools STEM Department. The Science Olympiad competition is like an academic track meet with a series of 23 team events.
Increasing access to the arts has long been a priority of the Foundation and building strong partnerships in the community contributes to students having a variety of opportunities. Aaron Bryan, Director of FCSS Arts Education, and his team, partnered with Mike Gibson at Fresno Lexus and Broadway in Fresno to give students a wonderful theatrical experience.
Get Involved
Contributors to The Foundation @ FCOE are unique in their interests and vocations, but all share the vision of supporting education in Fresno County.
To achieve the Foundation's mission, the Foundation accepts gifts of money, property, goods or in-kind services, as well as bequests and estate gifts from individuals, businesses and other organizations. Contributors may earmark gifts for a specific program or allow the Foundation to use donations in the area of greatest need.