Franklin McKinley Children’s Initiative

The Franklin McKinley Children’s Initiative (FMCI) is a place-based initiative that was developed to combat the challenges faced by the Santee community of East Side, San Jose. While rich in diversity and community leadership, the community and its schools face many obstacles and a lack of resources. Recognizing these challenges, a group of residents, service providers, and community partners came together to form The Franklin McKinley Children’s Initiative.

Modeled after the Harlem Children’s Zone, FMCI provides children impacted by poverty with access to education, from Pre-K to college, by embracing a holistic approach to building communities. FMCI works collaboratively with parents, community leaders, and educators toward sustaining an environment where children and adults thrive.

Vision: Every FMCI child graduates High School ready for College and Career.

Mission: A community partnership that supports children from cradle to career through; 1) Community Schools; 2) Safe and Strong Neighborhoods; and 3) Economic Development

Strategy 1. Community Schools
Strategy 2. Safe and Strong Neighborhoods
Strategy 3. Economic Development

KEY PARTNERS

City of San Jose
Santa Clara County Office of Education
Franklin McKinley School District
FIRST 5 of Santa Clara County
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County

NEXT STEPS

The FMCI governance and partners are currently building on existing assets and undergoing strategic planning. We will have a New Community Assessment in early 2015 and will continue the work of Breaking Silos through relationship building and sharing best practices towards our Vision and Mission. Our Educare Groundbreaking will be June 5, 2014 at the Santee School. To learn more, please contact Elizabeth Alvarez at: [email protected].