Beyond Academics: Connecting Classroom & Community

Innovative Partnership and Practices in Riverside County with Dr. Amanda Wade

Joanna Marrufo

Joanna Marrufo hosts a podcast discussing community schools and their impact on education, featuring Dr. Amanda Wade, a community schools coordinator at the Riverside County Office of Education. Wade, with 17 years in education, emphasizes the importance of community schools in addressing diverse student needs across nine districts in Riverside County. The county has received four cohorts of the California Community Schools Partnership Program Grant, supporting 80 schools. Challenges include tailoring support to diverse districts without overwhelming them and educating stakeholders about community schools. Innovative strategies include embedding youth in school systems and fostering leadership skills to advocate effectively.