Image
Students having fun at Young Authors' Faire
Excellence, Access & Innovation
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.
math counts student team smiling in front of math counts banner

Endowment for Excellence

A Foundation for the Future

The mission of the Endowment for Excellence is to safeguard educational and enrichment programs that ensure Fresno County students reach their full potential. Together, we will build a foundation for excellence - and create a lasting legacy that will support educational programs and empower student success far into the future.

Save the Date: September 19, 2026

FCOE Honors Gala

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, September 19, 2026.  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.

Diane Phakonekham

Academics

David Jackson

Agriculture

Cher Vang

Arts

Pete Santellano

Athletics

The Foundation @ FCOE

Countywide Impact

  • May Superintendent's Superstar

    Adriana truly embodies what it means to be a shining star at Sanger West. She consistently demonstrates determination, leadership and a positive spirit in all that she does. Adriana arrives early, stays late and gives her best each day while balancing academics and a wide range of extracurricular activities. As a founding member of Sanger West Special Olympics, Adriana helped build opportunities for students while demonstrating her commitment to involvement and leadership. What makes Adriana especially remarkable is the way she goes about her day with a constant smile, a positive attitude and a joyful presence that brightens her campus.

  • Meet the 2026 Terrific Teachers

    Outstanding educators from across Fresno County were recognized as the 2026 Terrific Teachers for their dedication to students, commitment to excellence, and lasting impact in the classroom and in the lives of their students. The annual recognition celebrates teachers who go above and beyond to create supportive learning environments, inspire student success, and strengthen their school communities. The Terrific Teachers were surprised with classroom visits and recognized among their students and colleagues during Teacher Appreciation Week.

  • Marvin Meyers Agriculture Education Grant

    A recent investment in agricultural education and hands-on learning at Selma High School is already yielding impressive results for the school’s embryology and farm market programs. With the purchase of a new incubator, hatcher, and essential supporting supplies, students and staff have significantly expanded their capacity for hatching and raising poultry. The addition of the second incubator and hatcher has allowed the program to operate at a larger scale than in previous years. To date, students have successfully hatched 16 emu chicks, marking a major milestone in the school’s agricultural science efforts. In addition, 30 light brown Leghorn eggs are currently in incubation, with the chicks expected to become future laying hens.

  • Skills in Action

    Students from across Fresno County gathered to put their skills to the test at the Career Skills Challenge, an event designed to showcase technical knowledge in real-world settings. Through a series of industry-aligned competitions, participants demonstrated their ability to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to practical challenges, highlighting both competence and confidence.