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.
Strong Public Schools fuel economic development. It drives safer neighborhoods, a stronger workforce, and a more vibrant community for all. That is why United Way of Erie County’s work through the Community School Model matters now more than ever. This is not just about what happens inside school walls. It is about how we, as a community, are aligning our strengths to remove barriers, expand opportunity, and ensure every child, regardless of ZIP code, can succeed.
We are in this for the long haul. This is not a sprint. It is a marathon. United Way of Erie County is fully committed to this work for the future of Erie and the generations of children who will lead it.
Celebrating Recognition and Partnerships
The Erie Community School Model has not gone unnoticed.
United Way of Erie County is one of only a handful of organizations nationwide to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, Coalition for Community Schools, and the National Center for Community Schools for full-service, best-practice implementation.
Our model is:
- Scalable – Now supporting students from Kindergarten through 12th grade.
- Sustainable – Powered by a mix of corporate, philanthropic, public, and private funding.
- Replicable – Drawing attention from cities across the country like Boise, Augusta, Orlando, and Boston.
Key Local Partners Make This Possible
The local business community has provided tremendous financial and other support including employee-level engagement with each Community School. This local support from the private sector is instrumental for the continued success of United Way’s Community School Model in Erie County.
The private sector understands the importance of investing upstream in the economic ecosystem. This ensures a community’s sustained economic well-being and work-force development.
Beyond the dollars, programs such as Reading Buddies with Bankers, Math Jeopardy, GoIT, and Lunch with Leaders are championed by the private sector for maximum impact in local public schools.
Pillars in Action
At the heart of the United Way Community School Model are four foundational pillars. Each pillar drives strategy, investment, and action. They were not chosen arbitrarily; they reflect what data and families in Erie told us they needed most. And in every Community School across the county, they are brought to life in meaningful, measurable ways. Below are just a few examples.
1. Building a Positive Environment
- Daily community circles at McKinley have improved peer relationships and reduced behavioral incidents.
- Calming corners and mental health supports at Grover Cleveland and Harding help students regulate emotions and stay engaged in learning.
- New approaches have been piloted at Strong Vincent to improve student safety and reduce suspensions.
2. Expanding Learning and Enrichment Opportunities
- Students engage and participate in activity planning such as voting on after-school clubs, increasing attendance and engagement.
- Mentoring and Tutoring programs have been integrated into the schools for thousands of students across the Model.
- Field trips and leadership retreats offer transformational experiences for students who may never otherwise have the chance.
3. Authentic Family Engagement
- Community Schools host family events from Dudes and Donuts to Explorers Club Events to Holiday Celebrations to increase connection between families and school.
- Families help co-design events and workshops, boosting school pride and communication.
- Parent and family attendance at events has increased year over year, thanks to Community School-led outreach and barrier removal (childcare, transportation, translation)
4. Strengthening Community and Neighborhood Ties
Local businesses including many manufacturing companies provide mentors, job tours, and STEM opportunities.
Neighborhood Assistance Program funding helps schools stock Community Closets with clothing, hygiene items, and school supplies.
The Crossing Guard expansion, in partnership with Erie’s Public Schools, grew from 13 to 44 guards citywide, improving safety for student walkers.
Data-driven Success
The success of Erie’s Community Schools is driven by something you don’t always see: data from years of real-world school activities.
United Way of Erie County has built one of the most robust data and evaluation teams in the nation for a Community School backbone organization; four professionals dedicated solely to tracking, analyzing, and improving outcomes.
Here’s how it works:
- Each school conducts regular needs assessments and stakeholder surveys.
- Community School Directors submit quarterly data on all Community School services and supports provided.
- United Way uses Learning Circle, a software platform integrated with the district’s Infinite Campus, to analyze what works—and what doesn’t.
Why does this matter?
Because it means Erie’s Community Schools are not guessing. They are learning, adapting, and evolving in real time to meet student needs. We are removing the real non-academic barriers that impact Erie County students on a daily basis through the Community School Model.
Examples of Data in Action:
- Data revealed staff morale was limiting program success. Solutions were developed to boost recognition and participation, and they worked.
- At Edison, after-school programming changed from adult-planned to student-chosen. Participation doubled.
- Now behavioral intervention groups can identify students flagged in Learning Circle for more timely and effective support.
- In short, data isn’t something we report. It’s how we improve every day.
