Marin Promise Partnership

We’re excited to welcome North Marin Community Services (Cheryl Paddack) and Novato Unified School District (Tracy Smith, Ed.D)to the Marin Promise Partnership Leadership Team! As we deepen our place-based approach—which focuses on coordinating collaboration within specific communities to strengthen local support systems—their leadership in Novato will be key to expanding partnerships and addressing opportunity gaps where students live and learn. With their expertise and commitment, we look forward to building even greater momentum toward closing educational equity gaps and ensuring every child in Marin has the opportunity to thrive from cradle to career. Join us in welcoming them! ?? #educationalequity #placebased #workingtogether #cradletocareer #unitofchange #Marin #collectiveimpact

We’re proud to be featured in Finding Common Purpose's new research brief, Place-based Initiatives’ Growing Use of Community Dashboards, as one of only two place-based initiatives nationwide that publicly set measurable targets to close equity gaps. Why does this matter??? Data alone doesn’t change systems, but it gives our partners the power to. Our community dashboard (aka our Progress Report) tracks cradle-to-career data across Marin County, helping partners identify disparities, mobilize resources, and stay accountable to supporting all students in reaching key educational milestones. ?? As our Director of Technology, Michael Looft, puts it: "Until we started to talk about race and put it front and center and [focused on] closing that gap between white [students] and students of color, we didn’t see things moving." ?? Explore the report attached below to see how data is transforming systems for students and families! #EducationalEquity #PlaceBased #DataForChange #CollectiveImpact

We’re thrilled to welcome Ebony Marshall, Shad Ahmed, and Omar Carrera to Marin Promise Partnership’s Board of Directors! These dynamic leaders bring deep expertise in philanthropy, economic mobility, and community advocacy, strengthening our collective mission to close educational equity gaps in Marin County. As we work toward deeper, community-driven solutions that support more students and families, their cross-sector leadership will be invaluable. Please join us in celebrating and welcoming these phenomenal leaders! ?? Learn more about them: https://lnkd.in/gZdqU3wn

For families in rural West Marin, transportation is a systemic barrier to accessing early education and other essential services. That’s why partners in the West Marin Early Learning Collaborative Action Network (ELCAN) launched Car Seats for West Marin Kids—a program providing free car seats, bilingual installation support, and community-led safety checks to make transportation safer and more accessible to families in this community. This collaborative effort is breaking down barriers and ensuring more children get the strong start they deserve. Huge thanks to all the partners who helped bring this vision to life: Parent Services Inc, Postpartum Support Center, County of Marin, Department of Health and Human Services, PAPERMILL CREEK CHILDRENS CORNER, West Marin Fund, San Geronimo Valley Community Center, Shoreline Unified Unified School District, Marin County Free Library, The Dance Palace, and all the West Marin ELCAN partners. ?? Read more: https://lnkd.in/gyTfG_72 #collectiveimpact #educationalequity #earlylearning #placebased

?? Introducing the Newcomer Asset Map: A Resource for Marin County In these times of uncertainty, providing clear pathways to support is vital. That’s why we’re thrilled to share this resource, a collaborative effort to map programs and services supporting immigrants in Marin County. This dashboard is more than just a map—it’s a tool for action: ?? Find Services that meet the diverse needs of immigrant families. ?? Identify Gaps in support to improve access and equity. ?? Foster Collaboration across agencies working toward shared goals. We’re proud to have contributed to this important project by Marin Immigrant Rights & Justice and hope it serves as a valuable resource for those supporting Marin’s immigrant communities. ?? Check it out: https://lnkd.in/gxuEPXkG

Collaboration between schools, community based organizations, and local government agencies is more important now than ever for our immigrant students. I'm proud to have coauthored this new piece with Lynne Sacks and Tauheedah Jackson, Ed.M. Promise partnerships are where communities come together to not only meet students' and their families’ immediate needs, but to also co-create a vision for their future. #ItTakesAVillage

?? What does it take to achieve educational equity? It takes bold, place-based strategies that go beyond the classroom—tackling systemic barriers like housing stability, transportation, and health access. At Marin Promise Partnership, we’re embarking on a place-based approach to focus our efforts on neighborhoods in Marin facing the greatest challenges. By co-creating solutions with communities and addressing inequities at their roots, together we can build thriving places where every child has the opportunity to succeed—no matter their zip code. ??? Read our CEO's (Richard Raya) latest blog to see how we’re working with partners to make this vision a reality: https://lnkd.in/gpXwZJb4

?? Strengthening Parent Leadership in Marin Schools Last week, our Family Engagement Initiative partnered with Novato Unified School District to host an ELAC Training for parents. ELAC (English Learner Advisory Committee) empowers parents to advocate for English learners and shape strategies that improve educational outcomes. This training, developed in partnership with the district's ELAC president, marks a key step toward empowering parents to drive meaningful change in their schools. ?? The impact was clear: -Before training: 57% of parents felt confident in their ELAC roles. -After training: 93% reported greater confidence and clarity in their leadership. ??? A parent shared: "Es importante que se den estos entrenamientos a más familias y en las escuelas." "It's important that these trainings are given to more?families and in schools." ???Stay updated on upcoming trainings, resources, and opportunities to elevate parent leadership in Marin schools by signing up for the Family Engagement Initiative Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gieZfz9Y

?? Exciting News! The Canal Early Learning Collaborative Action Network (ELCAN) has officially launched, bringing together cross-sector partners to support children aged 0-5 and their families in the Canal area of San Rafael. ?? At last week’s second meeting, held at the San Rafael Early Learning Center at Short School, partners: ? Reflected on what belonging means for children and families. ? Identified barriers to equity in early learning and family support. ? Explored the newly reopened campus, a hub for Transitional Kindergarten and early learning programs. This work builds on the strong foundations of our Early Learning & Literacy Initiative, with a shared vision to create inclusive environments where every child can thrive. The Canal ELCAN joins our existing ELCANs in Marin City and West Marin as a key piece of this countywide effort. We’re excited to see the impact this new team will make! ??

?? Where you live should not define your destiny In West Marin, like many rural communities, zip code and geography are deeply tied to opportunity. From housing to transportation, the challenges are complex—but so are the solutions. Our CEO’s latest blog dives into the strengths and struggles of this vibrant community and how collaboration is paving the way for lasting change. ?? Read more and see how place-based partnerships are making an impact: https://lnkd.in/gjfDDZqN