Home California Congressman DeSaulnier Secures Funding in Omnibus for Statewide Family Engagement Centers

Congressman DeSaulnier Secures Funding in Omnibus for Statewide Family Engagement Centers

by ECT
Rep Mark DeSaulnier

Washington, DC – Last week, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) announced that he successfully included $10 million in federal funding for the Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFECs) grant program in the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2018 (H.R. 1625), which passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 256-to-167.

The SFECs grant program helps states and school districts promote family involvement in a student’s education. Congressman DeSaulnier was instrumental in the creation of the SFEC program, and now has secured the funding necessary to make these facilities a reality. This bipartisan effort was spearheaded along with Congressman Glen Thompson (R-PA).

“Research is indisputable that students whose families are actively involved in their education are more likely to earn higher grades, graduate high school, and pursue higher education,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “While the role that teachers play in educating our students cannot be replaced, promoting family involvement helps solidify the gains made during the school day. SFEC grants will help communities connect families with specialized resources to strengthen that connection. As a longtime supporter of services that support students in and out of the classroom, I am pleased that family engagement centers have received the funding necessary to help students succeed.”

Congressman DeSaulnier was recently presented the 2018 Congressional Voice for Children Award by the National Parent Teacher’s Association (PTA) for his work in developing the SFEC program.

“For years, PTA members and families nationwide have been advocating for investments in the SFECs program because family engagement is critical to student success and school improvement efforts, including efforts to make our schools safer,” said Leslie Boggs, president-elect of National PTA. “We applaud Congressman DeSaulnier for acknowledging the importance of family engagement and for his commitment to the SFECs program to help ensure every child receives a high-quality education in an environment that is safe and reaches their full potential.”

“Family engagement is the bridge that connects families and schools ensuring our children learn and prosper,” said Paula Goldberg, Executive Director, PACER Center. “We applaud Congressman DeSaulnier for his leadership on the Statewide Family Engagement program and his recognition of the power that family engagement has to transform the lives of parents, their children and their communities.”

“We know that family engagement is critical for student success and it helps to provide a pathway for students to achieve greatness,” Rep. Thompson said. “With an ever-changing curriculum, it can sometimes even be hard for parents to engage meaningfully in their child’s school work. Family Engagement Centers bridge that gap and help to provide essential services to ensure students receive the attention they need to be successful. As a long-time supporter of the program, I am very pleased because it truly does change lives.”

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2 comments

American Mar 26, 2018 - 9:57 am

More government !

Elizabeth Mar 27, 2018 - 4:07 pm

Aren’t families already engaged in a student’s education?

Comments are closed.