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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.
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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

  • Innovation Grant Applications Now Open

    The Foundation @ FCOE is now accepting applications for the 2026 Innovation Grants, providing Fresno County educators with an opportunity to bring creative ideas and innovative learning experiences to their students. The Innovation Grants are designed to encourage fresh approaches to teaching and learning by supporting projects that enhance student development, academic achievement, and engagement. The Foundation aims to award one grant of up to $1,000 to each school district in Fresno County, helping educators turn innovative ideas into impactful programs that benefit students.

  • Mendota High School Receives Ag Grant

    Mendota High School has been awarded the Marvin Meyers Agriculture Education Grant to establish a student-driven aquaponics system that will provide hands-on learning experiences while promoting sustainable agriculture. The innovative project will engage students in every stage of the process, from researching and designing the system to testing, monitoring, and managing the integrated plant and aquatic environments.

  • June Superintendent's Superstar

    As a senior at Selma High School, Dulce is an outstanding leader and scholar, holding the rank of Cadet First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps while ranking 13th out of 407 students with an impressive 4.10 GPA. She ranks 1st in her MCJROTC class, earning 94.7%, placing her in the top 25% academically both in JROTC and school wide. She was also recognized on the Principal’s Honor Roll and as Student of the Month, earning the respect of students, staff, and community members alike. Now in her third year of MCJROTC, she has demonstrated dedication, commitment and enthusiasm since day one.

  • 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.