The Transformative Power of Community: Evans High School Setting New Standards in Orlando
Nestled in the vibrant city of Orlando, Evans High School has become a beacon of hope and success, showcasing what can happen when a community unites to support its youth. With student enrollment steadily climbing and the graduation rate positively soaring from just 64% a decade ago to a remarkable 91%, Evans is leading the way as a model for educational achievement.
At the heart of this transformation are the dedicated teachers and motivated students at Evans, alongside pivotal partnerships with organizations like the Children’s Home Society of Florida, Orange County Public Schools, the University of Central Florida (UCF), and Orange Blossom Family Health. This collaborative effort has created a safety net for students and their families, offering essentials such as affordable healthcare, tutoring services, access to nutritious food, and various other community resources.
A New Educational Paradigm
Evans High School was the pioneer of the Community Partnership School model, which has rapidly gained traction across Florida. As of now, there are 43 designated Community Partnership Schools statewide—18 of which are certified by UCF—and an additional 25 are on their path to certification. Furthermore, nine new planning sites are slated to launch this year through UCF’s Center for Community Schools, a visionary initiative established in 2014 to elevate community schools across the state.
With the involvement of over 80 core partners, the reach of these initiatives continues to expand, providing essential resources to nearly 50,000 students across Florida. Last year alone, the program facilitated more than 292,000 hours of tutoring, 12,000 behavioral health sessions, and close to 4,000 dental and vision checkups—a testament to the program’s effectiveness and depth in supporting student well-being.
Legislative Support for Educational Innovation
The strides made at Evans High School are also bolstered by the generous financial support from the Florida Legislature. Their commitment to enhancing education for underserved schools and communities is evident in their significant funding increase for the Community Partnership Schools grant program. In the upcoming 2024 fiscal year, funding will rise from million to .1 million, ensuring schools have the necessary resources to tackle barriers to educational success, deliver wellness supports, engage families, and extend learning opportunities.
Andry Sweet, the president and CEO of the Children’s Home Society of Florida, lauded this investment, noting its vital role in reinforcing the success of the program. “The increase in funding to the Community Partnership Schools grant program is a testament to its success and the transformative impact it has had on our students’ lives,” he stated. “By fostering a holistic approach to education, this program has not only improved academic outcomes but also enriched the overall well-being of our students.”
A Comprehensive Support System at Evans
Each Community Partnership School exemplifies a cohesive approach by uniting at least four core partners: a school district, a higher education institution, a community nonprofit, and a healthcare provider. This collaborative framework enables schools like Evans to offer a wide range of crucial services, including academic support, healthcare, meals, clothing, and counseling services—all integrated into a facility known as ‘the HUB.’
At Evans High School, the HUB serves as a lifeline for students and families, featuring a parent resource room and on-site public assistance for eligible families. Additional support includes after-school tutoring programs, enrichment activities, and initiatives aimed at alleviating food insecurity—complete with a food pantry, snack cabinets, and periodic community food distributions.
Evon Thompson, a proud 2020 graduate of Evans who has recently earned a degree in neuroscience from Harvard University, shared how the HUB shaped his perspective on leadership and community involvement. “The HUB helped me grow the perspective that anyone can be a leader and can voice their concerns to take action to create a world they want to see,” Thompson reflected. “At Evans, I felt like I was actively making Pine Hills better. What I have learned from my experiences with the HUB can be applied to have a positive effect on the community.”
The Future of Community Partnership Schools
UCF’s Center for Community Schools has acknowledged 18 schools as UCF-certified Community Partnership Schools, demonstrating that the model’s standards have been successfully implemented. This recognition is the result of years of dedication to improving student success and overall well-being.
Grant Hayes, dean of the UCF College of Community Innovation and Education, emphasized the importance of these partnerships, stating, “Our mission is to collaborate with community stakeholders in creating innovative solutions to complex social issues.” With the increased funding and strong community collaborations, the Center’s mission to sustain high-quality community schools is now more attainable than ever, positively transforming the lives of countless students and families across Florida.
In sum, Evans High School not only serves as a successful educational institution but as a testament to the impact of community collaboration. By coming together—schools, institutions, organizations, and families—Orlando is crafting a brighter, more equitable future for its youth, laying down a roadmap that other communities might aspire to follow.
