Los Angeles County could see its network of community schools grow from approximately 500 to over 1,600 under a new ongoing state funding opportunity announced for the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP).

Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, eligible schools will have access to ongoing funding to establish and sustain the community school model, which brings schools, families and community partners together to address barriers to learning and strengthening student success.

The California state budget trailer bill (AB 126) provides a historic and permanent investment in community schools through $1 billion in ongoing funding to expand and sustain the community school model across California. The funding will be distributed through a new ongoing state funding model for eligible schools.

Los Angeles County is already home to the nation’s largest community school network, with approximately 500 community schools. With the new funding, over 1,600 schools countywide could potentially be eligible to implement and sustain the community school model.  

“Community schools create conditions for student success by supporting the whole child and strengthening connections among schools, families and community partners,” said Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools. “This ongoing state investment gives Los Angeles County an extraordinary opportunity to build on the work already underway and bring the community school model to more students and families. LACOE stands ready to help schools and districts build strong, sustainable community schools that respond to the needs of the communities they serve.”

LACOE looks forward to continuing its partnership with schools and districts across the County to advance the community schooling model and strengthen support for students, families, staff and communities. 

Funding Timeline and Eligibility

Eligible school sites with more than 65% unduplicated pupil count and at least 10 enrolled students may qualify for annual funding ranging from $75,000 to $400,000 per site, depending on enrollment.

To receive funding for the 2026-27 school year, eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) must opt in by Nov. 1, 2026, for any eligible sites not already receiving the community schools grant, or for any LEAs who are not current grantees. 

All currently eligible LEAs have received information from the California Department of Education regarding their eligibility. Visit the CDE website to view the schedule of allocations for the 2026-27 school year.

An annual June 1 opt-in submission deadline will be available for any new sites eligible to receive funding for the following school year. For schools already receiving CCSPP funding, eligibility for additional funding begins after the sunset of current CCSPP grants.

How LA County Schools Can Prepare:

• Plan to opt in by Nov. 1, 2026. LEAs seeking funding for eligible sites in the 2026-27 school year should be prepared to complete the state’s opt-in process by the deadline. 
• Connect with LACOE's Greater Los Angeles Regional Transformational Assistance Center (R-TAC) for direct support. For additional questions or support, LEAs and schools can connect with the Greater Los Angeles R-TAC team, led by LACOE's Community Schools Initiative, at communityschools@lacoe.edu or (562) 401-5472. 
• Review the CCSPP Information (PDF) or the CCSPP Informational Webinar Slide Deck (PDF) to learn more about eligibility criteria, funding levels and key deadlines.
   

Attend a Virtual Drop-In Support Session:

LACOE’s Greater Los Angeles R-TAC is hosting three virtual drop-in support sessions prior to the Nov. 1 deadline. These informal sessions are structured around your questions, whether you need help determining your eligibility, understanding CCSPP requirements or preparing for the opt-in submission deadline.

• Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m. | Register for the Oct. 20 Session
• Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, from 9 to 10 a.m. | Register for the Oct. 22 Session
• Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m. | Register for the Oct. 27 Session
   

How to Complete the Opt-In Process:

1. Check Inbox for Access Code: Eligible LEA Superintendents or Charter Lead Administrators will receive an email from the California Department of Education (CCSPP@cde.ca.gov) with a unique access code for the online opt-in platform. For questions or support, please email CCSPP@cde.ca.gov.
   
2. LEAs Will Select Opt-In Status for Eligible Sites: Upon accessing the online system, the LEA will review a list of eligible school sites. For each site, the LEA will select one of the following statuses for the 2026-27 school year: Planning, Implementation or Not Participating. 
   
3. Complete Required Narrative and Attestation and Review Contact Information: To finalize the opt-in process, LEAs must submit a narrative describing their community school vision, partnerships, engagement strategies, implementation approach, and sustainability efforts. In addition, LEAs must agree to all required program attestations and identify primary and alternate community school contacts.

Access the CDE's CCSPP Opt-In Slide Deck (PDF) for more information on the opt-in process.

About the Greater Los Angeles Regional Transformational Assistance Center (R-TAC):
Led by LACOE’s Community Schools Initiative, the Greater Los Angeles R-TAC supports all public schools and local educational agencies that receive California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) funding in L.A. County. It is led in partnership with The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health and the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools. As one of eight technical assistance centers designated by the California Department of Education, the Greater Los Angeles R-TAC transforms educational practices and reduces disparities at community schools across the County by partnering, guiding and co-learning with schools and districts to leverage the CCSPP framework.