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 2023-24 raised over $1.6 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 March Superintendent's Superstar is Zoe, a senior at University High School. Zoe is a distinguished student leader and a shining example of dedication and perseverance. With a GPA of 4.029, she demonstrates academic excellence while balancing a range of leadership roles and extracurricular activities. She currently serves as the President of the Black Student Union and Captain of the Debate and History Day teams, where she leads her peers with passion and integrity.
The Fresno County Science Fair, hosted by Fresno County Superintendent of Schools (FCSS), once again showcased the incredible talent and innovation of local students. Among the standout participants was Olaf Muchalski, a junior from Clovis West High School, who captured the top prize by being named the Sweepstakes winner. With this prestigious honor, Olaf will now advance to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), where he will compete against some of the brightest young minds from around the world.
March was Arts Education Month, a time dedicated to promoting and recognizing the importance of arts education in schools, as well as highlighting the value of integrating visual arts, music, theater, dance, and other creative disciplines into the educational experience. Throughout the month, FCSS celebrated by hosting performances every Friday, featuring talented students from local high schools. These performances were made possible in part by a grant from the Hewlett Foundation, which supports arts education initiatives.
The February Superintendent's Superstar is Jade, a junior at Laton High School and a shining example of school spirit. As a Navajo Native American and Hispanic student, Jade has maximized all that the district provides to grow, lead and inspire. Raised in the close-knit community of Laton, she has flourished in an environment that values connection, opportunity and perseverance. Drawing strength from her grandparents, the father figures who have guided her, and -- most importantly -- her mother’s unwavering support, Jade has turned encouragement into action. Guided by the saying, “Be the reason the tree grows,” she credits those who have nurtured her success and, in turn, strives to uplift others.
The excitement was palpable as 103 students from across Fresno County gathered to compete in the annual FCSS MathCounts Competition, a thrilling event that celebrates mathematical talent, problem-solving skills, and academic excellence. Hosted by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools at Fresno State, this competition brings together some of the brightest middle and elementary school minds for a day of challenging math problems and spirited collaboration.
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 month’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.
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.