I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July! For me the recent Independence Day celebrations – both Juneteenth and the 4th of July – were fun-filled days spent enjoying time with family, friends, and our larger community. Not only were they full of good food and friendship, they were important occasions to reflect on the freedoms and opportunities we often take for granted. Whether due to limited access or inequitable policies, too many people in America and throughout the world face barriers to success.

At St. HOPE we believe that both high quality education and economic opportunities are the foundation for prosperity. I’m proud that as a partner of CSU Chico’s Office of International Education and Global Engagement, St. HOPE Public Schools recently hosted educators from 19 countries to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, education, and culture. The discussion centered around the ways in which St. HOPE Public Schools is effectively closing the equity gap through its unique education model. St. HOPE teachers and staff also had an opportunity to increase their cultural and social understanding of educational practices in other countries. Learning, sharing, and increasing  mutual understanding is a critical part of expanding our worldview and ensuring that we are working to expand access and opportunities for all. 

 In community,

Cassandra H.B. Jennings

President and CEO

St. HOPE