Enrichment Opportunities Supported Through the Endowment

The Endowment for Excellence is a critical funding source that will help sustain and expand the impactful programs listed below. Through ongoing support, the endowment ensures these initiatives continue to benefit students across Fresno County by enhancing learning experiences, promoting innovation, and creating opportunities that support academic growth and student success for years to come.

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  Academic Decathlon

  This competition endeavors to provide an enriching educational experience that combines the relevant study of cultural and critical topics with strong reasoning and interpersonal skills. Teams from area high schools compete in 10 events, including seven objective tests, the speech and interview competition and a written essay. Winners of the local competition can move onto the state and national Academic Decathlon.

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  Access to Higher Education - A2HE

  A2HE convenings provide hands-on career exploration and college registration assistance for junior high and high school students in foster care. Students are empowered with community resources and participate in motivational, leadership and team-building activities. Most importantly, they connect with adults from multiple agencies who can provide support and guidance during their educational journey.

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  Career Skills Challenge

  Features 40 hands-on, career-focused competitions in fields like medical terminology, welding, crime scene investigation, and sports medicine. Nearly 1,500 students from over 30 high schools in Fresno, Madera, and Mariposa counties compete for medals and the Grand Champion School Trophy.

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  Career Tech Expo

  This annual expo welcomes students and families to explore a wide range of career pathways available throughout the Central Valley, including healthcare, finance, construction, agriculture, public safety, hospitality, and more. Industry professionals share their experiences and provide insight into future job opportunities, helping students plan their career goals. Hands-on demonstrations and interactive workshops give students real-world exposure to various fields and trades.

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  CIF Central Section Boys & Girls Basketball Finals

  This is one of the most exciting high school basketball events in the area. Each year, the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools works collaboratively with the California Interscholastic Federation and Commissioner Ryan Tos as the lead sponsor to host the finals that span six divisions.

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  FCSS Kids Day

  Kids Day is a joyful and inclusive event created for students with moderate to severe disabilities. More than 1,500 students, along with their teachers and support staff, enjoy a day filled with music, games, dancing, emergency vehicles, and hands-on activities. With the support of dedicated community volunteers, the event offers a safe and welcoming space where students can explore, engage, and simply have fun.

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  Fresno Area College Night

  An opportunity for students and their parents/guardians to speak with representatives from more than 100 colleges, including California State University and University of California campuses, private universities and colleges, community colleges, accredited vocational colleges, and college clubs and organizations. Workshops on college admissions, financial aid, and other topics are also available.

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  Fresno County Summer Arts Academy

  A two-week program that provides opportunities for high school students to develop their skills in areas such as acting, concert band, film production, jazz band, rock band, and stagecraft. Students are provided with more than just tools for the stage, they also gain skills that will help them address difficult issues facing today’s youth.

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  History Day

  Fresno County History Day is a unique opportunity for students in grades 4-12 to research and present personally meaningful topics relating to an annual theme, and to examine history in a fun and challenging way. Student winners in each category for posters, exhibits, historical papers, web sites, documentaries, and performances, advance to the State Competition and potentially qualify for National History Day.

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  Leadership Development

  Our leadership development programs empower students to become confident, engaged leaders. Through the Health Youth Corps, students gain experience in public health and community wellness. The annual Student Leadership Conference brings youth together for skill-building, networking, and inspiration. With a strong emphasis on civic leadership, students learn to advocate, lead with purpose, and create meaningful change in their communities.

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  Martin Luther King, Jr. Contests

  Students in grades K–12 are invited to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy through art, speech, and writing inspired by the annual theme selected by the City of Fresno MLK. Unity Committee. Schools may submit up to eight entries for the Art Contest and up to three finalists per category for the Speech Contest. The Essay Contest encourages thoughtful written responses to the theme. Winning entries are showcased at a special reception featuring displayed artwork and essays, along with live presentations of the winning speeches.

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  MATHCOUNTS Competition

  This national math competition for students in grades 6–8 features four rounds that test accuracy, problem-solving, and collaboration. Students compete individually in the Sprint and Target Rounds, then work together in the Team Round. Top scorers face off in the fast-paced Countdown Round, with the winning team advancing to represent the region at the state competition.

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  Mock Trial

  Teams participate in a simulation of an original criminal court case with high school students playing courtroom roles. Students present the case in the courtrooms of the Fresno County Courthouse before presiding with judges and attorneys who evaluate each team’s performance. The competition is designed to demystify the workings of the legal institutions for young people and to foster an interest in career opportunities. Winners of the competition can move onto the state and national competition levels.

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  Pentathlon Adventure & Iron Chef

  The Pentathlon Adventure challenges teams through five exciting events—Survivor Adventure, Power-Pull, Climbing Wall, Shuttle Run, and Plyo-Mid. Iron Chef lets groups of four students showcase creativity and teamwork in a timed cooking challenge. Students learn the significance of developing a healthy and active lifestyle.

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  Picture the Valley Film Festival

  The Film Festival lets students share their unique perspectives on life in the Central Valley through individual or group films created during the school year. Aligned with California’s Common Core ELA standards, students develop narrative writing skills, produce clear and organized work, and conduct focused research as part of this engaging competition.

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  Science Fair

  All county students in grades 6-12 are eligible to enter the Fresno County Science Fair. Working on a Science Fair project introduces students to the scientific method and critical-thinking skills they will need to succeed in the 21st century. Students from public, private and parochial schools strive to take home ribbons, medals, trophies and more than 100 special awards. Winners from the regional competition advance to state and international competitions.

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  Science Olympiad

  Science Olympiad is a national program that promotes excellence in K–12 science education through team-based competitions. Middle and high school teams of up to 15 students compete in hands-on events across biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and technology. The program encourages broad participation and teamwork, with top teams advancing to state and national levels.

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  Scout Island Adventure Challenge

  A one-of-a-kind adventure race for high school students. Each team must navigate over a three-mile course using clues and a handheld GPS unit. Throughout the course, competitors have to complete 10-12 different challenges which test their mental, physical, teamwork and leadership abilities. The goals are for the challenge teams to put their learning into action and to provide a fun and exciting outdoor experience that encourages them to be more active and physically fit.

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  Spell Off

  The Spell Off is open to school finalists from district-wide spelling bees, with each district allowed two participants per division — elementary (grades 4-6) and junior high (grades 7-8). The elementary competition is oral, while the junior high competition is written. The top two winners in each division advance to the California State Spelling Championship and also compete for the single spot representing Fresno County at the National Scripps Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

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  STEM for Girls Conference

  Girls in elementary and junior high experience a motivating keynote speaker and exciting break-out sessions led by local women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) business and education fields. They discover how interesting and fun math and science can be and learn about career opportunities for women in STEM fields. Students form personal contacts with women working in occupations traditionally held by men and meet other young women who share a common interest in STEM.

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  Young Authors’ Faire

  The Young Authors' Faire celebrates literacy by showcasing original books from K–6 students and poetry or narratives from middle schoolers. Each school may submit up to 10 entries. A panel selects Exemplary Selections, Honorable Mentions, and Special Recognitions to highlight outstanding student work.