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.
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.