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Students having fun at Young Authors' Faire
Excellence, Access & Innovation
As the philanthropic arm of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, the Foundation supports essential programs and services to ensure students achieve their full academic potential.
math counts student team smiling in front of math counts banner

Endowment for Excellence

A Foundation for the Future

The mission of the Endowment for Excellence is to safeguard educational and enrichment programs that ensure Fresno County students reach their full potential. Together, we will build a foundation for excellence - and create a lasting legacy that will support educational programs and empower student success far into the future.

Save the Date: September 19, 2026

FCOE Honors Gala

Superintendent Michele Cantwell-Copher, Ed.D. and The Foundation @ FCOE Board of Directors invite you to join us at the FCOE Honors Gala on Saturday, September 19, 2026.  The Gala will be held at the Fresno City College, Old Administration Building. The event will feature a social hour and silent auction at 6:00 p.m. followed by a multifaceted tribute performance at 7:00 p.m. and an after-theatre dinner at 8:00 p.m. in the courtyard under the stars.

Diane Phakonekham

Academics

David Jackson

Agriculture

Cher Vang

Arts

Pete Santellano

Athletics

The Foundation @ FCOE

Countywide Impact

  • September Superintendent's Superstar

    An 8th grader at Washington Colony Elementary School, Layla is an exceptional Golden Patriot student who has been enrolled in Washington Colony since kindergarten. Layla has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout all of middle school. She is a dedicated student-athlete who participates in multiple sports throughout the year and has also been a member of the middle school band. Layla goes above and beyond, not only academically but also in her social life. She is a true example of what a Patriot stands for. She is respectful, responsible, prepared and always follows directions.

  • Tech Bridge: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures

    Five local students are beginning their college journeys with new technology and resources to help them stay connected and succeed in college. The Foundation @ FCOE, in partnership with the FCSS Foster and Homeless Youth Education Services Department, recently distributed laptops to five students who graduated from high school and are continuing their education at colleges and universities. The laptops are part of the Tech Bridge: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures project, an initiative designed to provide technology to students who have experienced foster care or homelessness as they transition from high school to higher education.

  • August Superintendent's Superstar

    An incoming senior at Sierra High School, Madison is an exceptional scholar-athlete who ranks second in her class with a 4.43 GPA. She has taken several dual-enrollment college courses alongside her high school honors and AP courses, meeting all academic standards with exemplary marks, all resulting from diligent work habits. While completing the Marketing and Business Leadership CTE pathway, Madison has excelled in learning Canva, Google Workspace and Canvas, demonstrating her creativity through media posts and campus promotional materials. Madison has been a member of the Associated Student Body Leadership program since junior high at Sierra Junior Senior High School. During this period, she has served the Class of 2027 as class representative, secretary, and vice president.

  • Innovation Grant Applications Now Open

    The Foundation @ FCOE is now accepting applications for the 2026 Innovation Grants, providing Fresno County educators with an opportunity to bring creative ideas and innovative learning experiences to their students. The Innovation Grants are designed to encourage fresh approaches to teaching and learning by supporting projects that enhance student development, academic achievement, and engagement. The Foundation aims to award one grant of up to $1,000 to each school district in Fresno County, helping educators turn innovative ideas into impactful programs that benefit students.