COMMUNITY SCHOOL LEARNING EXCHANGE

Higher Education, Community Schools, and the Work of Generational Change. That was the message Dr. Walter Iwanenko, President of Gannon University, shared during last week’s United Way Briefing. It set the tone for a deeper conversation about what it really means to invest in our community.

Every month, the Erie School Board receives a snapshot of how the Community School Model is transforming classrooms and communities across the district. Now, we’re sharing that same insider look with you. This report highlights tangible results, including programs launched, partnerships formed, and progress being made for Erie students and families.

Over the past 8+ years, a quiet revolution has been unfolding in Erie’s public schools, and it is time we told the story. As our region works to reimagine its future, the success of our children is not a side issue: it is the foundation for everything.

Over the past decade, United Way of Erie County made a bold decision to shift from its traditional role as a fundraiser for local nonprofits to becoming a proactive social impact organization.

How United Way of Erie County is addressing Poverty through Community Schools
Since their inception, United Ways have seen numerous changes not only to the world around them, but also to the way they impact their local communities.

When people think of a school, they usually picture students, teachers, and principals. But what if we told you there is a whole team working behind the scenes to make sure students get what they need to succeed? That team is led by United Way, and their job is to support something called a "Community School." 

Community Schools are not just places where kids go to learn math and reading. They are schools that work with families and the whole community to support kids in every way. In this article, we’ll explore what Community Schools are, how they help kids, and why they are so important for breaking down learning barriers. 

On June 7, 2024, to secure the Community School Model for this and future generations, United Way of Erie County today announced a $1 million donation from Erie Insurance and kicked off the public phase of an ambitious endowment campaign and special impact project.

On May 14, United Way of Erie County held our first annual Community School Student Leadership Retreat sponsored by Women United. Nearly 200 students who are members of leadership groups from 13 elementary and middle community schools came together at UPMC Park for a day of fun games and leadership skill building. 

Supporters of United Way know that community schools work to break down nonacademic barriers low-income children face keeping them from being successful in school. A child’s life circumstances can greatly impact their ability to learn and thrive.

Data-driven decision making is a guiding principle of the Community School Model. We look at attendance, behavior, academic proficiency rates and more to determine needs and measure impact – but we also place heavy emphasis on stakeholder voice.

United Way of Erie County spoke with Deanna McFarland, principal of Grover Cleveland Elementary, about her experience implementing the Community School Model at Grover Cleveland and the changes she has seen in school culture since becoming a community school. 

Participate in the Erie High Community-Parent survey today! We need to hear from you to understand how we can improve Erie High through the Community School Model planning process.

United Way recently partnered with the Jefferson Educational Society to host a panel of experts as part of the 2022 Global Summit. The session, entitled Community Schools: A Model Locally, A Model Nationally was moderated by Ben Speggen and led by José Muñoz, Director of the Coalition for Community Schools, American University Professor Reuben Jacobson and Erie's Public Schools Superintendent Brian Polito.