The Fresno Cradle to Career Partnership (Fresno C2C) has been recognized for its efforts to support the needs of local students and is one of ten communities across the country to be awarded funding to expand student-centered learning initiatives.

The funding comes from the Together for Students initiative, created by three national, education-focused nonprofit organizations—the Coalitions for Community Schools, Communities In School, and StriveTogether. In total, the Fresno partnership will receive approximately $150,000 to support the activities and goals set forth in their collaborative plans.

“This grant offers us the opportunity to bring together a broad coalition of partners to improve student outcomes in an underserved part of Fresno,” said Joey Campbell, superintendent for the Washington Unified School District.

“This grant provides critical funding for students and families in west Fresno to have more opportunities to achieve academic success and a life of well-being,” said Linda Gleason, executive director. “It is an encouraging indicator of community collaboration and a focus on results.”

Fresno was selected from a pool of 86 applicants. The other communities selected include:

*Birmingham, AL (United Way of Central Alabama)

*Chicago (Thrive Chicago)

*Dayton, OH (Learn to Earn Dayton)

*Fresno (Fresno C2C and Central Valley Community Foundation)

*Lehigh Valley, PA (United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley)

*Memphis, TN (Communities In Schools of Memphis)

*Nashville, TN (Metro Nashville Public Schools)

*Milwaukee, WI (United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County)

*Vancouver, WA (Vancouver Public Schools)

*Washington, D.C. (DC Public Education Fund)