Date: May 1, 2026
School: Roberto Clemente Community Academy
In accordance with the application requirements for the Sustainable Community Schools Initiative (SCS), Roberto Clemente Community Academy hereby provides public notice of its intent to apply in partnership with the lead agency, The Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC). PRCC brings deep community roots in Humboldt Park and West Town since 1973 and extensive experience successfully managing the SCS program, including current grant administration at Yates Elementary School.
The purpose of the SCS program is to provide academic and enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly those attending high-poverty and low-performing schools. The program also seeks to offer families of participating students literacy support and related educational development opportunities.
The SCS model is grounded in Seven Principles and Six Pillars that vastly redesign school culture and academic delivery:
The Six Pillars of SCS
- Engaging Culturally Relevant Curriculum: Grounded in the 50-year history of advocacy for bilingual and Puerto Rican history education at Clemente.
- Wraparound Supports: Comprehensive health, housing (Teresa Roldán), and mental health services provided via PRCC and partners like Erie Health.
- Positive Discipline Practices: Restorative justice and violence prevention frameworks that prioritize healing over punitive measures.
- Authentic Parent and Community Engagement: Utilizing the FACE Community Action Council and the CAAC three-phase approach to center family voice.
- Inclusive Leadership: Co-governance where the LPA, staff, and parents are crucial decision-makers in hiring, budgeting, and the CIWP.
- High-Quality Teaching: Supporting instructional excellence through community-based professional development and alumni-teacher expertise.
The Seven Principles of SCS
- Racial Justice and Equity
- Community Wisdom and Self-Determination
- Shared Leadership and Collaboration
- Whole Child, Whole Community
- Transparency and Trusting Relationships
- Reflective Practice and Continuous Improvement
- Sustainability
If awarded, the proposed project will offer after-school and summer programming designed to improve student academic performance, support social-emotional learning, promote family involvement, and strengthen community partnerships. Clemente is currently serving as a community hub by hosting Yates ES during construction, demonstrating our immediate capacity to act as a center for neighborhood resources.
Community members, partners, and stakeholders who wish to provide input into the development of the grant application are encouraged to contact:
- Contact Person: Donieshia Johnson
- Title: Assistant Principal
- Organization: Roberto Clemente Community Academy
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 773-534-4000
This notice is intended to inform the public that Roberto Clemente Community Academy plans to submit a proposal for SCS funding. Please note that this announcement does not guarantee that funding will be awarded
