So much to celebrate! Happy holidays from us to you!

This past year I’ve been truly inspired by how we have come together as an organization to maximize our impact in the communities we call home. 

All of our teams have worked in partnership with families, educators, district leaders, elected and appointed officials to achieve key policy wins before the new year. 

• In Oakland, we had a critical early data victory. In a time when so many families feel unclear about their children’s progress in school, the GO Oakland network succeeded in advocating for Oakland Unified to centrally share student data reports with all parents via ParentSquare.
• Our West Contra Costa team piloted a new community leadership model where policy solutions are determined by community-led committees (CLC). Focused on school reopening, the inaugural CLC worked in partnership with West Contra Costa Unified staff to curate a series of recorded and live trainings to help families navigate district communications applications.
• In Fresno, a resolution — co-created by GO Fresno’s Dual Enrollment Action Team, and leaders from Fresno Unified and Fresno City College — committing to the equitable expansion of dual enrollment course offerings was passed unanimously by the Fresno Unified Board of Trustees just 9 short days ago.
• Finally, our local teams joined our state team in celebrating the passage of AB 469, a bill that requires California’s 12th graders to complete financial aid applications starting next school year, and an effort supported by the entire GO network for the last two years. We are excited to support its implementation through the launch of our first organization-wide campaign, which is focused on supporting families through FAFSA and CADAA completion. Download and share A Parent’s Guide to Financial Aid in English and Spanish.

We’ve welcomed new team members and leadership (including two phenomenal executive directors), built new systems, piloted new program models — all in service of our vision to break down historical barriers to opportunity for California’s students and families. I’m really excited about what’s ahead for GO in 2022 and look forward to introducing our refreshed team, new board members, and fresh ideas in the new year.