By providing early access to education, early childhood and community-based programs are helping to close the achievement gap prevalent among children from impoverished homes.

San Francisco's Mission Promise Neighborhood (MPN) is a federally-funded Promise Neighborhood initiative that supports community-based organizations, schools, and other public agencies to work in defined neighborhoods and build integrated supports for children and youth from cradle to college and career. Since 2013, the Gardner Center has…

Due to the closing of the GM Manufacturing Plants, Grand Rapids, Michigan area experienced an extreme loss of jobs, which led to low-socioeconomic hardships such as "food insecurity" that was witnessed in the needs of the many students who attend the Grand Rapid Public Schools. This case provides insight into how educational leader…

The federal "Promise Neighborhoods" program underscores the importance of all children and youth having "access to great schools and strong systems of family and community support that will prepare them to attain an excellent education and successfully transition to college and a career." From this perspective, this brief stresses the importance…

This article discusses national, state, and local youth service, noting the initiatives of 1984-5, the association of national youth services with the military draft, some keys to deriving maximum value from youth service initiatives, and the outcomes that can be anticipated from a youth service program. (DCS)

Presents some emerging concepts for developing a community education program to respond to the two Teacher Corps need area focii: the improvement of education through training teachers and changing the school's ways of approaching learning through new linkages with parents, community resources, and service agencies beyond the schools. (Author/DN)

Five Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA)/Local Education Agency (LEA) programs designed to provide youth with employment-related services were reviewed. Onsite visits were conducted to assess program development and implementation in Houston, Worcester (Massachusetts), Minnesota, Fairfax County (Virginia), and Los Angeles. (Each area…

Noting the increasing need for improved access to quality after-school services, this guide to federal funding sources for out-of-school time programs and community schools (OST/CS) is designed to assist program leaders, policymakers, and others in nonprofit, public, and private organizations in taking advantage of federal funding opportunities.…

Noting the growing nation-wide demand for affordable, high-quality, out-of-school time and community school programs, this guide is intended to assist program developers, policy makers, and community leaders identify federal funding sources to support out-of-school time or broader-based community school services. The guide provides an overview of…

Described are three components of community-school programs in Richmond, Virginia, public schools. The document presents the general guidelines for development and implementation of these programs which operate with Office of Economic Opportunity funding. Discussed are the remedial reading, early childhood education, and school-community…

This report addresses impact of the Learn and Serve America Higher Education (LSAHE) service learning initiatives on communities, higher education institutions, and students, and is based on 3 years (1995-97) of data collection and observation at 27 institutions. LSAHE has awarded grants to higher education institutions and community organizations…

This address by Commissioner Bell highlights the need to develop a national preschool demonstration model, using available resources whenever possible, as the most effective device to encourage school systems to initiate preschool education. Two facets of the preschool demonstration model are discussed: (1) a learning program built around…

Discusses the community service requirement for high school graduation in Maryland. Contends it enhances arts instruction and highlights student accomplishments. Describes a program in which performing arts students meet the requirements through participation in concerts, art shows, and similar community-based activities. (CFR)

At the hearing recorded in this document, which was held at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Alabama, testimony and prepared statements were received concerning the role of urban universities in economic and community development, with special attention to other forms of incentives that the Federal Government could be providing to…

Examines occupational education's, the private sector's, and the federal government's roles in job creation. Describes state and local programs that attract or revitalize industry and expand the economic base. Presents criteria for evaluating state and/or local job development programs and considers models for expanding vocational education's…