Two members of Marin Promise Partners Executive Committee, San Rafael City Schools and Canal Alliance, were recently featured on a segment of Fox KTVU Chanel 2 news in response to a racial incident at San Pedro Elementary School.
After being notified that a 4 by 6 foot piece of paper with the words: “Got English?” was draped it over the school’s marquee, Superintendent Hogeboom shared his disapproval in the school newsletter, but also used the incident to discuss the long-standing issue of racial segregation. He also noted that San Rafael schools are planning dual-immersion programs because bilingual skills are valued in the workplace and sought after because they give students a competitive edge.
Omar Carrera, Executive Director of Canal Alliance, noted that “Nobody is pleased to see segregated schools, but the question is how is that happening, in 2020, in one of the most progressive counties of the United States? … we want to make sure all students feel welcome, supported, and loved.”
Supporting each other to speak up and take action for racial equity is a core element of the Partnership. See below to learn more about what partners are doing to close educational equity gaps and promote culturally responsive action throughout Marin county.
More Cultural Responsiveness Resources
A Partnership to Strengthen Early Childhood Systems in Marin
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.
$3 Million Investment to Expand Youth Opportunity Across the County
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 years from national
December 2025: Cradle to Career Updates
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 learning gaps or
Partnership Update (September 2025)
With new leadership and proven practices, Marin Promise Partnership is strengthening cradle-to-career pathways, prioritizing underserved communities and neighborhoods in Marin for lasting educational equity.
Marin is Bending the Curve on Educator Diversity
New state data confirms what many hoped for: after years of stagnation, educator diversity in Marin is finally on the rise.
How the Canal Is Building a Cradle-to-Career Model for Change
In Marin County’s Canal neighborhood, residents and cross-sector partners are coming together to build a transformative cradle-to-career model for lasting change. This blog highlights the neighborhood’s progress, shared leadership, and vision for a future where every child and family can thrive.
April 2025 Partnership Newsletter
This spring, partners launched the Educator Pathway, helped families unlock $47K in college savings, and saw place-based efforts take root across Marin. Read about the collaborative action and momentum taking place across Marin in the April 2025 Partnership Newsletter.
Partners Help Families Claim Over $47K in Free College Money
“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.
Lessons from the Road: Insights from Visiting Place-based Partnerships Across the StriveTogether Network
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.
The Educator Diversity Initiative is Graduating: A Milestone for Systemic Change
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.