School Connect

School Connect AZ (SCAZ) strengthens Arizona schools and communities by fostering the robust unification of schools to local organizations, businesses, and programs that prioritize educational attainment within underrepresented communities. SCAZ program interventions advance school-community relationships by identifying and training community stakeholders to regularly assemble with the singular focus of improving their schools and communities. Primary benefactors are the students and their families, who experience improved schools and increased access to community resources. Secondary benefactors include the school, school staff, and community – who benefit from stronger schools and connected resources. Through catalytic events scheduled throughout the school year (Love Our Schools Day, Community and Family Engagement Round Table Event, School Connect Summit, and Parent University), SCAZ builds sustainable school-community partnerships that endure long after the program has ended.

The Teacher Wellness Rooms Project repurposes small unused spaces on campuses into spaces for educators to reset and refocus their attention during the day. Students commonly have designated spaces for quiet reflection on campus; however, there are no such spaces for teachers to briefly rejuvenate and restore calm. Studies show a widespread and growing mental health crisis among U.S. teachers – a problem so grim that many are leaving the field or making drastic lifestyle changes. This is especially true in Arizona, where teacher burnout levels are reaching epidemic levels. This project will target diverse, underserved, and Title I schools in AZ where rates of burnout and depression are highest. Teacher attrition rates are highest among teachers of color: 62% of Black and 59% of Hispanic/Latino (59%) educators are leaving the profession. Teacher burnout rates are 50% higher in Title I schools and 70% higher for teachers in schools that serve diverse populations.

School Connect AZ (SCAZ) Rural and Tribal Program focuses on rural and tribal communities across Arizona. Rural and tribal regions face geographical, social, and logistical challenges creating enduring school-community collaboratives. To create stable and thriving communities within rural regions, SCAZ provides one year of intensive school-community building activities that bring the village to the school to ensure students thrive. The school is the hub of community-building activities throughout the program as a specially trained School Champion cultivates sustainable partnerships that strengthen both schools and communities. The program aims to improve the school climate and increase student learning through regular catalytic events. Events such as the Community and Family Engagement (CAFÉ) Round Table Event, Love Our Schools Day, the School Connect Summit, Educator Awards Event, and Parent University amalgamate partnerships that aim to improve school outcomes.