Serving over 206,000 students across Fresno County, The Foundation @ FCOE raised over $1.6 million in 2023-2024 to support programs and services that ensure students obtain a well-rounded education with Excellence, Access, and Innovation at the forefront.
Excellence: To support academic and co-curricular student events coordinated by the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, such as Academic Decathlon, College Night, Science Fair, Spelling Bee, Young Authors’ Faire, and Career Tech Expo.
Access: To help fund countywide programs that promote opportunities for student success, such as early care and education, empowerment and equity supports, graduation rate improvement, college and career-tech readiness, libraries, technology and more.
Innovation: To provide grants to school programs across the county that demonstrate innovation and improve student educational success.
Summer kicked off with creativity taking center stage as students from across Fresno County participated in the Fresno County Summer Arts Academy (FCSAA). FCSAA is an immersive program designed to inspire and nurture young artists. Hosted by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, in partnership with Fresno City College, the Academy offered hands-on instruction in visual arts, music, theater, and digital media, providing students a space to express themselves, build confidence, and explore new artistic skills.
A few months ago, 16 brand-new kayaks arrived at the Scout Island Outdoor Education Center, thanks to the generosity of donor Kaye Bonner Cummings. With summer programs now underway, the kayaks are now in full use. Students participating in the program learn more than just how to paddle, they gain essential skills in water safety, teamwork, and communication.
Students across Fresno County recently showcased their unique perspectives through the Picture the Valley Film Festival, a youth-led storytelling event hosted by the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. The event invited middle and high school students to submit short films that captured life in the Central Valley. Students explored themes about entertainment, the environment, culture, safety, and social issues.
Selma High School was awarded the Marvin Meyers Agriculture Education Grant for the 2025-2026 school year. Building on the success of an already impactful agricultural education program students will engage in an exciting new enhancement: a comparative incubation project featuring emu eggs and chicken eggs. This expanded learning opportunity will deepen students' understanding of animal science while adding an entrepreneurial twist.
The May Superintendent's Superstar is Bianca, affectionately known as “Angel” by her friends. She is a senior at Clovis West High School who has consistently demonstrated excellence throughout her academic journey. She is a remarkable, competent, capable and caring student whose outstanding achievements, leadership and dedication to her school and community make her shine.
As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Terrific Teacher recognitions celebrated outstanding educators across Fresno County who have left an indelible mark through their inspiration, support, and encouragement of students, colleagues, families, and their communities. This year, more than 300 teachers were nominated countywide, and five exceptional educators were selected for this special recognition. Each recipient received a surprise visit to announce their award and celebrate their remarkable contributions.
The April Superintendent's Superstar is Sandra, a senior at Mendota High School who exemplifies what it means to be an Aztec. Sandra’s formal education in the United States began in the 3rd grade when she arrived from her native country of Guatemala. Sandra has maximized all the opportunities that Mendota High School offers to better herself and support the community. Sandra’s academic accomplishments are second to none. She will graduate with a GPA of 4.56.
Thanks to a generous donation, the FCSS Scout Island Outdoor Education Center is making waves—literally. Earlier this year, The Bonner Family Foundation made an impactful contribution to support the growth of the FCSS Scout Island program. Their donation funded the purchase of brand-new kayaks, which have now arrived and are ready to launch new educational adventures for students.