When students and families have a real voice in their education, schools become more than classrooms, they turn into centers of community life. This is the vision behind Community Schools, fostering collaborative spaces that nurture not only academics but also a sense of belonging and opportunity.

LACOE's latest Ed Buzz episode takes you inside this movement across Los Angeles County. In this talk-show-style feature, Alicia Garoupa, LACOE’s Chief of Wellbeing and Support Services, Dr. Michelle Alferes, Director III of LACOE's Community Schools Initiative and Chinosom Okpara, an 11th-grade student at Hawthorne Math and Science Academy, share powerful insights on:

• How community schools are redefining education
• The role of families and students in shaping school culture
• Countywide efforts to support implementation
• What the future of community schools could look like 

Chinosom also provides a student’s perspective as a member of the countywide Student Catalyst Council, led by LACOE’s Greater Los Angeles Regional Transformational Assistance Center (R-TAC), highlighting how student voices are driving change.

From personal stories to countywide strategies, this episode explores how community schools foster inclusive, supportive and student-centered learning environments.

Watch the full episode now on YouTube.