The Coalition for Community Schools is an alliance of national, state and local organizations in education K-16, youth development, community planning and development, family support, health and human services, government and philanthropy as well as national, state and local community school networks.

The Coalition advocates for community schools as the vehicle for strengthening schools, families and communities so that together they can improve student learning.

One way the Coalition promotes the ideas and best practices embody in this growing national effort is to annually recognize individual schools and communities that are getting it done. The efforts support essential conditions for learning  that those involved believe are important.

In June 2007, the coalition recognized three individual schools and three communities for their efforts in a ceremony held at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C. See slideshow from the awards event.

The highlight was a stirring address by House Majority Leader Steny Howyer about the important of community schools, partnerships and the opportunities for new federal legislation. Watch the video

The 2007 winners were:

Schools
Carlin Springs Elementary, Arlington, Va.; Fair Street Elementary, Gainesville, GA; and Sayre High School, Philadelphia, PA

Communities
Independence School District, Independence, MO; Multnomah County, Portland, OR: and Tukwila, WA.

Read about the 2007 award winners.

Read about the 2006 award winners.

Videos about each of the award winners is in the video library  along with other comments from champions and supporters of the community school movement.