Aspire Bay Area Public Schools Awarded Over $10 Million in Community Schools Grants

The funding will support partnerships with community agencies and aligning resources to boost student outcomes.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2024

Media Contact:
Dean Drescher
(919) 270-7766
dean@larsonpr.com

OAKLAND, Calif. — Aspire Public Schools (Aspire) announced today that eight of its Bay Area schools were collectively awarded over $10 million in funding from the California Community Schools Partnership Program. The program, launched in 2022, is part of a seven-year initiative from the state to convert public schools into community hubs that coordinate wraparound services for students and families—like home visits, mental health counseling or after-school care. 

With this funding, Aspire Bay Area schools will be investing in mental and behavioral health supports as well as family resource centers to help streamline service delivery.

“To prepare our scholars for success in college, career, and life, we must support them holistically,” said Mala Batra, CEO of Aspire. “For students to thrive, their  basic needs must  be met. With this critical support, Aspire can better meet the needs of our students and families, creating a more equitable learning environment for all.” 

Aspire is implementing the community schools whole-child approach throughout its network of 36 schools, though different schools are tailoring their strategies based on the unique needs of their students. As one example, Aspire Lionel Wilson College Preparatory Academy in Oakland (Aspire LWP) will be hiring a special populations lead to support programming and professional development for school site staff that centers students with unique needs. 

“This funding supports us in honoring our equity commitment,” said Javier Cabra Walteros, Aspire Bay Area’s executive director. “We are determined to transform the disproportionate academic outcomes that are a product of an unjust system. Community schools are a crucial part of that work. By better addressing students’ academic, physical, and social-emotional needs, we help create the conditions for our communities to thrive.” 

The eight Bay Area schools and their awards are listed below: 

• Aspire Richmond Technology Academy (Richmond, CA): $1.425M from 23-24 through 27-28
• Aspire Monarch Academy (Oakland, CA): $1.425M from 23-24 through 27-28
• Aspire College Academy (Oakland, CA): $1.1875M from 23-24 through 27-28
• Aspire Triumph Technology Academy (Oakland, CA): $1.1875M from 23-24 through 27-28
• Aspire BMA (Oakland, CA): $1.625M from 22-23 through 28-29 (this was an original planning grant, now followed by a $1.425M implementation grant)
• Aspire Lionel Wilson College Preparatory Academy (Oakland, CA): $1.625M from 22-23 through 28-29 (this was an original planning grant, now followed by a $1.425M implementation grant)
• Aspire EPACS (East Palo Alto, CA): $1.425M from 24-25 through 28-29
• Aspire Golden State College Preparatory Academy (Oakland, CA): $200k from 23-24 through 24-25 (this is an active planning grant)

Research has indicated that community schools have positive impacts on student attendance, achievement, and behavior. Acknowledging these benefits, the California legislature passed the California Community Schools Partnership Act in 2021, allocating $4.1 billion to the effort—the nation’s largest investment in community schools. The funding has been distributed so far in three rounds, with Aspire schools receiving awards in all three rounds. Funding is available through 2031. 

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About Aspire Public Schools
Aspire Public Schools operates 36 community-based public charter schools educating over 15,000 students in underserved communities across California. Founded in 1998, Aspire is one of the nation’s largest open-enrollment public charter school systems serving predominantly students of color from low-income communities. Teachers and families partner closely to ensure scholars are prepared to succeed in college, career and life. Currently in its 25th academic year, Aspire is one of the nation’s first charter school systems. Learn more about Aspire Public Schools at aspirepublicschools.org.