In Marin, families have been clear: early learning support needs to be closer to home, more coordinated, and shaped by community voice. That’s why Marin Promise Partnership and First 5 Marin are deepening our partnership to ensure community-led early childhood work in San Rafael, Marin City, Novato, and West Marin turns into real, lasting support for children and families.
Marin County is one of only three regions nationwide receiving a multi-year investment from StriveTogether to expand neighborhood-based partnerships that improve outcomes and opportunity for youth. SAN RAFAEL, Calif. – Jan. 13, 2026 — Marin Promise Partnership, a countywide collaboration focused on closing educational equity gaps, has been awarded $3 million over four
This year reminded us that collaboration isn’t just a value. It’s a force. When we come together for all kids, change becomes possible. Across Marin, we’ve seen what happens when families, educators, and organizations align around a shared goal for equity. Whether it’s partners building a countywide data dashboard to close early
“College was not just a dream anymore.”
A Terra Linda High School senior reflects on discovering CalKIDS, California’s free college savings program for eligible students and newborns. This year, partners across Marin worked together to help families unlock over $47,000 in new savings, making it easier for students to pursue college with confidence and support.
Michael Looft, the Backbone Team’s Director of Technology, set out on a road trip to visit fellow place-based partnerships across the country. Along the way, he explored how communities are tackling similar challenges, reminding us how staying connected to the national StriveTogether network helps our backbone team bring fresh insight, tested strategies, and renewed purpose back to Marin.
In Marin, many students of color go through school without ever having a teacher who looks like them. That is starting to change. This story follows a cross-sector partnership that listened to educators of color, removed systemic barriers, and built a lasting Educator Pathway.
Local leaders, community organizations, and schools have come together to launch a new planning process aimed at creating better opportunities for children and families in the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael.
The Canal Promise Neighborhood Plan is a community-driven effort to build a shared vision for improving education, health, and economic well-being in the Canal, now and for generations to come.
