The goal of the Community Convening is to create and sustain a culture of collaboration between schools, community and parents. This collaboration will optimize the full academic achievement of African American students through the collection and review of shared data, assessment of assets and needs, implementation of evidence-based best practices (local, state and national) and the careful monitoring of individual student success. 

The African American Student Excellence Community Convening was held in February 2020. Almost 200 members of the community, from cross-sectors such as government, faith, law enforcement and more, gathered to listen, learn and respond to the themes of school systems, student, parent and community engagement. A panel of students provided moving testimonies about their school experience and their stories reverberated throughout the community for months after. For one subsequent year, members of the convening met as work groups to analyze and provide recommendations. 

Improving African American student achievement is a priority at the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools and we are dedicated to engaging the community in the betterment of the lives of children and families in Fresno County. 

The videos below are an introduction to the Community Voices for Excellence document developed by student voice, educators and community members. The videos highlight students from the Student Advisory Cabinet sharing their experiences as students and their role as student leaders.