Initiative Overview

Purpose and Vision:

California ENLACE believes that the public system of education in partnership with communities, students, families, and non-profit organizations constitutes a coalition that is capable of developing and implementing changes to current policies, structures, and institutions that will substantially improve the educational achievement and college-going of all students, but particularly of Latino students who have been the least well served historically by the current system.  In our work, we value the unique culture and assets of Latino students at all levels of the educational pipeline, but especially in secondary and postsecondary education.  When these values are accepted and aligned we expect that Latinos will be academically prepared to enroll in and graduate from public high schools, colleges, and universities at levels that are commensurate with their representation in California's population.

Broad Strategies/Scope of Work:

Over the next three years, we will sponsor, coordinate and participate in a series of high profile public events that will enable us to share existing ENLACE knowledge of best practices for improving educational outcomes for Latino students.   These will include but not be limited to forums, convenings, and institutes that focus on three general themes.

1. Best practices that lead to improved academic achievement among Latino students (statewide/regional).

2. Best practices that strengthen parental/community engagement (statewide) to support Latino student achievement in California public schools.

3. Sustaining and advancing policies at the local, state, and national levels that will substantially improve Latino student educational achievement and attainment.

Partners:

Secondary and postsecondary state and local public educators, institutions/systems of education, research and advocacy organizations, students, parents, community-based organizations, elected officials, foundation partners, and others committed to the goals of the California ENLACE.

Resources/Timeline:

One million dollars in funding support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has been provided with $1.6 million in additional funding identified by affiliated organizations for the three-year project that will begin in 2005 and conclude in 2008.

Expected Results:

1. Continued documentation of improved programs, policies, and educational achievement among Latino students in areas served by the Santa Barbara and Santa Ana Partnerships.

2. Documentation of participation in capacity building institutes, including team-specific goals and results.

3. Evidence of policy progress at the coalition level with strategy, coordination, engagement of policy makers and influencers, including the enactment of new/preservation of critical existing policies at the local, state, and national levels.

4. Documentation of progress in improving specific academic indicators for Latino students in California.

5. Dissemination of results, delineation of next steps at annual intervals.