What are the Benefits of Partnering with Local Communities in Education?

As the Biden-Harris Administration continues to prioritize the needs of the whole child, partnering with local communities in education has become essential for the growth and well-being of America’s students. By adopting community school models, schools can meet the unique needs of the neighborhoods they serve and provide students with the necessary support to excel academically. This article will explore the benefits of partnering with local communities in education and highlight the initiatives taken by the Biden-Harris Administration to support community schools.

The Importance of Meeting the Needs of the Whole Child

Meeting the needs of the whole child is crucial for their academic success and overall well-being. By addressing students’ physical, mental, and emotional needs, schools can create an environment that fosters growth and development. Research has shown that community schools, which bring wraparound services into school buildings, contribute to increased student attendance, on-time grade progression, and high school graduation rates. These schools leverage partnerships with local non-profit organizations, private sector entities, and public entities to provide services such as mental health supports, dental services, and assistance with shelter and nutrition.

The Commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration

The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to increasing and supporting the adoption of community school models across the country. Recognizing the impact of community schools on student success, the President secured $150 million for the Full-Service Community Schools program in the most recent bipartisan funding bill. This represents a significant increase in funding, with the program now being twice as large as last year and five times as large as when President Biden took office.

Announcing New Grants for Community Schools

To further support community schools, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing new grants under the Full-Service Community Schools program. These grants, totaling $63 million, will be awarded to 42 community schools across the country. The funds will provide critical support to students and equip them for future success. Integrated, wraparound services both inside and outside of school are essential for students to succeed academically and feel more connected to their schools. Community schools are designed to deliver these services, and the grants will ensure that students receive the support they need.

Releasing a White House Toolkit on Federal Resources

Recognizing the need to marshal resources from across the government to support community schools, the Biden-Harris Administration is releasing a White House Toolkit on Federal Resources to Support Community Schools. This toolkit will help community school advocates, coordinators, directors, and other stakeholders identify funding sources and grant programs that can be used to support community schools and meet the unique needs of their communities. It lists relevant grant programs by federal agency and explains how those grants can be used to provide student services at community schools.

Expanding the Full-Service Community Schools Program

The Department of Education is expanding the Full-Service Community Schools program by awarding $63 million in funding to 42 local educational agencies, non-profits, and institutions of higher education across the country. This grant competition received the largest number of applications in the history of the program, highlighting the significant need for coordinated support to address students’ social, emotional, and mental health. By expanding the reach of Full-Service Community Schools, the Biden-Harris Administration aims to support students’ academic recovery and improve the health and well-being of communities nationwide.

The Toolkit’s Role in Supporting Community Schools

The White House Toolkit on Federal Resources to Support Community Schools plays a crucial role in helping communities establish or expand Full-Service Community Schools. It addresses the challenge of identifying resources by listing relevant grant programs and explaining how they can be utilized to provide student services at community schools. The toolkit also includes commitments from various federal agencies to support community schools, such as the Department of Defense’s commitment to including priority points for community schools in two grant programs. Additionally, several federal agencies have identified funding in grant programs that can be used to support the salary of a community school coordinator, a vital role in managing a community school’s services and partnerships.

Conclusion

Partnering with local communities in education brings numerous benefits to students and their communities. By adopting community school models, schools can meet the unique needs of their neighborhoods and provide students with the necessary support to succeed academically and improve their well-being. The Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to increasing and supporting community schools is evident through the significant funding secured for the Full-Service Community Schools program and the release of the White House Toolkit on Federal Resources to Support Community Schools. These initiatives will ensure that students receive the integrated, wraparound services they need to thrive and that communities have the resources to establish or expand community schools.