December 17, 2024
 
As we close 2024, we celebrate a year of meaningful progress in advancing equitable, quality public school options for all children. This year, FCCS amplified Black and Latino voices in education policy, challenging longstanding power dynamics and reshaping the conversation around school choice.
 
FCCS continues to share success stories from Black- and Latino-led schools. Our first-of-its-kind poll of Black and Latino voters in swing states, along with initiatives like the Leaders and Lawmakers Series and New Niagara Tour, positioned us as key advocates at all levels of policymaking. We also strengthened ties with national organizations, hosting virtual sessions that caught widespread attention.
 
This report highlights the key achievements and outlines our ambitious vision for 2025, where we aim to deepen our impact and expand opportunities.
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Key Highlights
Campaigns and Advocacy: 
Tell Your Story Campaign- FCCS mined for impactful stories from teachers, parents and students that could be used to leverage the voice and the view of charter schools.
Georgia State Capitol Rally: In February, 1,000 students and advocates came together to demonstrate their collective strength and ensure legislators understand the real impact of the proposed legislation and who it affects.
 
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Policy and Lawmaker Engagement:
New Niagara 5-City Series: Convened over 150 people in target cities- Philadelphia, Memphis, Houston, Atlanta and Chicago to discuss the state of Black education and chart pathways for meaningful reform.  Worked in partnership with charter schools- Resurgence Academy, Beatrice Mays Institute, Noble Inc., Boys Latin and organization partners- Memphis Lyft, Energy Converters, Brightbeam and Center for Black Education to gather resources and lead meaningful discussions in each city.
Media and Public Outreach
Election Campaigns: Amplified voices for school choice through impactful election events, and campaigns that generated over 5,000 impressions, 20,000+ views, 900 interactions, and directly attracted 90 new followers
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Organizational Growth
Community Engagement: 
 
Town Halls: Held discussions in Michigan, Wisconsin and Memphis, addressing local educational challenges.
 
Policy Forums: Provided monthly sessions to educate stakeholders and get groups to engage on specific policies that impact their schools and students.  Shared resources about grant opportunities and amplified the leadership of successful policy campaigns in the 2024 legislative cycle.
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FCCS In The News
In 2024, we significantly expanded our reach representing the voices of Black and Latino communities in over one hundred prominent news publications nationally.
 
  1. The National Desk: Parent activists feel 'ignored' after education snubbed in presidential debate, Jay quoted
  2. EdPost: Creating a Platform for Black Educational Success: The New Niagara 5-City Talk Tour
  3. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Black and Hispanic families in Milwaukee deserve better than status quo in school system
  4. The 74: Black and Hispanic Voters Say Democrats Aren’t Focused Enough on K-12 Education
  5. Roland Martin Unfiltered: Black Student Achievement Crisis
  6. Progresso Hispano News: Survey in swing states reflects issues that impact families
  7. WJAC: Tennessee governor labels school choice 'civil rights issue of our time' at RNC
  8. The National Desk: Most Black, Latino swing state voters say public schools 'failing' their kids, poll shows
  9. ABC News: 'Not a partisan issue': As classroom culture wars rage, a stark warning about learning loss
Looking Ahead to 2025
Key Objectives and Planned Programs: 
  1. New Niagara Culmination Convening: Host a flagship event bringing educators and policymakers together to discuss findings and “norm” on objectives to transform education for Black students.
  2. Media Initiatives: Produce 22 videos highlighting industry leaders- sharing the successes of their schools and elevating their leadership on a national level.
  3. Community Engagement: Expand Latino Leadership forums, town halls, and policy forums in key states.
  4. Research and Data: Publish an FCCS Data and Research Report, providing actionable insights.
  5. Expand Outreach: Host town halls and community convenings in TN, PA, GA, and TX.
  6. Grassroot Mobilization: Partner with parent advocacy groups like Memphis Lyft, Futuro and others to amplify grassroots efforts.
Acknowledgments
 
We thank our board members, staff, affiliates, funders, and community partners for their dedication to FCCS’ mission. Your contributions have been instrumental in our success this year and will propel us into a bright and impactful 2025.
 
National and Regional Partners
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School Affiliates
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Sacramento, California 95814, United States