Education Matters

Fresno County Superintendent of Schools board members are making a lasting impact through community projects that support students, families, and neighborhoods across Fresno County. In this Education Matters story, we visit the Family Wellness and Resource Center at Addams Elementary School in southwest Fresno, a vital hub created through the Community Schools Initiative that provides families with access to food, clothing, household items, and critical resources.

From the Special Olympics Unified Sports program to backpacks, bikes, and food giveaways, Fresno County students are receiving meaningful support that makes a real difference. In this Education Matters report on KSEE 24, we take you to El Capitan Middle School for a Special Olympics Unified Sports cornhole tournament, where students with and without disabilities come together to build friendships, confidence, and inclusion.

Competitive video gaming is transforming college athletics. At Fresno Pacific University, e-sports is more than just gaming, it’s a growing collegiate sport offering teamwork, competition, and scholarship opportunities. In this Education Matters story on KSEE 24, we take you inside FPU’s e-sports program, where students compete in games like Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. through the National Esports Collegiate Conference.

For the past decade, Education Matters has been telling the positive, powerful stories happening every day in classrooms across Fresno County. What started as a passion project has grown into a trusted weekly segment on KSEE 24, highlighting outstanding teachers, inspiring students, and innovative programs that strengthen our schools and communities.

A beloved holiday tradition takes on powerful new meaning as Break the Barriers presents an inclusive and unforgettable performance of The Nutcracker. This one-of-a-kind production brings together performers of all abilities, featuring dancers in wheelchairs, aerialists, acrobatics, hip-hop, gymnastics, and classical ballet all sharing the same stage.

Christmas came early for the Cornejo family of Mendota thanks to the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Migrant Education Department. This heartwarming Education Matters story highlights how a long-running holiday tradition is uplifting migrant families facing hardship, while celebrating the power of education, community support, and perseverance. As the Cornejo family navigates serious health and financial challenges, a holiday celebration brings hope, joy, and encouragement.

Fresno County’s “Count, Play, Explore” early math initiative has been recognized with the prestigious Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association. For the past decade, the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools has worked to transform how young children learn math by engaging families, supporting teachers, and building strong community partnerships. In this Education Matters story, learn how hands-on learning, playful exploration, and early family engagement are changing math mindsets for students from birth through third grade.

Fresno County special needs students are showcasing their creativity at the K-Jewel Art Gallery in a powerful celebration of art, inclusion, and self-expression. This Education Matters story highlights a unique program from the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools that brings high-quality arts instruction directly to classrooms, giving students with disabilities the same creative opportunities as their peers.

Fresno County has officially named its first-ever Youth Poet Laureate, marking a powerful moment for young voices in the Central Valley. This year’s title goes to Evy Singh, a Central High sophomore whose moving poetry rose above four outstanding finalists in a historic competition years in the making.

Clovis Unified is launching a groundbreaking visual and performing arts program for preschoolers, giving four-year-olds a hands-on, immersive creative experience like never before. Inside a transformed classroom on the Buchanan High School campus, students explore a farm-themed art center filled with music, movement, dramatic play, and interactive learning. Thanks to state funding from Proposition 28, preschoolers from across the district are bused in to participate in this innovative approach to early childhood education.

High school seniors are applying to college—and that means it’s time to complete the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. In this Education Matters report, learn how schools across Fresno County are helping students and parents navigate the financial aid process, avoid common mistakes, and secure grants, scholarships, and tuition-free options for college.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University

Empowering the next generation of innovators — that’s the goal of the annual STEM for Girls Conference, hosted by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. 

In this episode of Education Matters, Fresno State’s Jessica Piffero, Senior Digital Marketing Specialist, shares how technology and math play a vital role in her career in public relations — proving that STEM is everywhere. She encourages students, especially young women, to embrace science, technology, engineering, and math as tools for creativity and problem-solving.

The CTE Expo is more than a showcase — it’s where passion meets opportunity. This year, students stepped into the spotlight as fashion, cosmetology, and barbering joined the list of Career Technical Education pathways. From transforming thrifted clothing into runway-ready designs to learning professional hair and beauty techniques, students across the Central Valley are discovering hands-on careers that fuel creativity and confidence.

At Malloch Elementary in the Fresno Unified School District, TK teacher Sherry Nobles is showing that learning math can be fun and engaging for even the youngest learners. Through the Count, Play, Explore initiative, students are discovering the joy of math, science, and computer science by grouping, counting, and exploring through play.

At Sunnyside High School, students are proving that agriculture education isn’t just for rural communities. As part of Fresno Unified School District—the largest urban district in Fresno County—Sunnyside’s Ag program is growing fast, giving city kids a hands-on connection to the Valley’s agricultural roots. From raising goats to developing award-winning Ag Mechanics projects, these students are showing their dedication, hard work, and pride in representing their school through FFA.

Hard work, dedication, and academic excellence took center stage at The Big Fresno Fair during this year’s 4.0 Night — an annual celebration honoring Fresno County students who earned a 4.0 GPA or higher.

For 14 years, the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools (FCSS) has partnered with the Big Fresno Fair to recognize top-performing students with prizes, scholarships, and one life-changing giveaway — a brand new car. This year, 17-year-old Mia Salcedo from Sunnyside High School drove away the lucky winner, proving that perseverance and commitment to education truly pay off.

Fresno County Superintendent of Schools is helping rural districts meet the needs of the whole child through the Community Schools Consortium. From on-site health clinics and food pantries to internships and expanded learning, Community Schools go beyond academics to provide critical services for students and families. Learn how districts like Washington Union and others are partnering with FCSS to expand opportunities, engage parents, and strengthen communities.

Fresno Pacific University is celebrating a historic moment with a record-setting $21.9 million gift from the King J. Richter family — the largest in school history. This endowment will provide scholarships for students now and for generations to come, helping first-generation and low-income students achieve their dreams of higher education.

FPU President Dr. André Stephens shares how this gift, combined with a 5-star rating from Money Magazine’s 2025 Best Colleges list, highlights Fresno Pacific’s commitment to affordability, student success, and faith-based education.

Students across Fresno County are using their creativity to honor the spirit of unity that followed September 11 through the annual Spirit of 9/12 Art and Poetry Contest, hosted by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools and the 9/11 Memorial.

Central Unified has a new leader at the helm. Dr. Mark Marshall, who stepped into his role as Superintendent in July, is spending his first 100 days meeting students, greeting teachers, and listening to community members. With years of experience leading districts in Los Banos and Lancaster, and a career that began as a special education teacher, Dr. Marshall is focused on keeping kids first.

Moving into a college dorm is a big milestone—but for foster youth without family support, even basic necessities can be out of reach. Thanks to the Foster and Homeless Youth Department at the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, students like Rayganne are receiving dorm kits filled with bedding, toiletries, and supplies to help ease the transition. Hear how these kits—and the caring educators behind them—are making a lasting impact.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University

Six Fresno County schools have been named California Distinguished Schools: Madison Elementary, Copper Hills Elementary, Mayfair Elementary, Goldenrod Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, and Woods (Harold L.) Elementary. Only a small percentage of schools across the state earn this honor.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University.

For 23 years, the West Fresno Family Resource Center has hosted its Back-to-School Health Fair, helping families prepare for the new school year with clothes, shoes, backpacks, haircuts and health services. For some, this event provides the only way to get their children the necessities they need for school. See how this act of caring is giving kids confidence and excitement as they head back to class.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University

From icebreaker games to college-level classes, CTEC’s newest freshman class is diving headfirst into high school. See how these students from across Fresno County are building friendships, teamwork skills, and a strong start to their future careers during orientation week.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University

Fresno Unified is helping families get ready for the new school year—one shot at a time. At a recent immunization clinic, students received required vaccinations and sports physicals, with more clinics planned ahead of the first day of school. Health officials are especially concerned about kids born during the pandemic who may have missed key vaccines. Find out what families need to know before school starts.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University

At Sunnyside High School, Career Tech Education students are trading in the classroom for hands-on experience — building a “mare motel” to house goats as part of an ag science internship.

It’s just one example of the real-world training Fresno Unified students are getting this summer in construction, health, photography, and more.

More than 800 students, 20+ industry partners — and lessons that go far beyond the books.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University

Think your local library is just a quiet place to read? Think again. From robots and reptiles to teen tech challenges, Fresno County libraries are turning the page on what summer learning looks like. See how these free programs are drawing families from across the county—and why kids can’t get enough.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University.