Coalition for Community Schools

IEL is excited to be celebrating the legacy and achievements of Black history this February!

Learn more about how we practice what we preach through love in action - supporting leaders who strengthen communities and education systems in pursuit of greater opportunity for all: https://iel.org/iel-black-history-month-2026/

Join Community School champions from across the West to build community and share best practices for Community School strategies in schools, communities, and across states. This convening is open to anyone who is currently engaged or interested in the Community School strategy in the following states: WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, AZ, UT, MT, WY, CO, NM, AK, and HI.

The convening will take place from 12:00pm to 4:00pm MST on March 11, and include panels, breakout sessions, and shared learning. The planning team will share more details, including session descriptions, soon. Reserve your spot for this free virtual convening today!

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZIkrhwRgSlmiiTijXJJdrg #/registration

A great highlight of a school that has joined the family:

"Wekiva High School has received the university-assisted community school (UACS) designation, unlocking millions in funding to transform the campus into a hub for a variety of student services."

https://theapopkachief.com/wekiva-high-receives-pivotal-community-school-designation/

University of Central Florida

Wekiva High receives pivotal community school designation UCF awards approximately $7M to OCPS for holistic neighborhood wellness

Hosted by the Institute for Educational Leadership, the 2026 National Community Schools and Family Engagement conference is the largest convening in the country focused on the Community Schools strategy as a vehicle for improving outcomes for children, youth, & families. IEL’s annual joint conference offers one high-impact, research-based, practice-driven event that cultivates collaboration and catalyzes innovation. Participants are sure to leave this conference with strategies, tips, & tools they can immediately apply to their work. To learn more and register visit: https://bit.ly/csxfe26

Building Healthy Futures: A Look inside Lowell Public Schools Full-Service Community Schools

The school year is in full swing at Lowell’s Community Schools in Massachusetts — and the results are inspiring.

Located northeast of Boston, the Lowell Public Schools district has been a recipient of the Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) Grant from the U.S. Department of Education since 2015. This investment supports eight schools that are reimagining what education looks like when schools, families, and communities work hand in hand. 

Read the full story here:
https://www.communityschools.org/news/building-healthy-futures-a-look-inside-lowells-full-service-community-schools/

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Community Schools work in every corner of the country. Check out this powerful spotlight from our partners at The NEA Foundation!

Read the story and watch the video from KRQE to learn how New Mexico Community School partnerships play a role in supporting members of the community:

UNM and Bernalillo County partner to expand legal aid with social services ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Bernalillo County is teaming up with the University of New Mexico School of Law in a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at changing the way legal assistance is provided t…