FSCS EL CENTRO
at the University Center of Lake County
​The University Center of Lake County was awarded, by the United States Department of Education in 2024, to lead a Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) Grant Program, entitled El Centro. University Center of Lake County's EL CENTRO creates more opportunity to develop these schools, families, students, and teachers with the goal to create true community schools.
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EL CENTRO will collaborate with multiple community resource partners resulting in a uniquely combined and integrated manner so that culture can be created for community schools to become vehicles for the cross-fertilization of ideas and catalysts for classroom and community change among teachers, students, and families. Program activities will align with the cultural traditions, histories, and wellsprings of theses rich communities and will be a catalyst for strengthening arts integration learning, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), and Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and increasing student engagement and achievement through classroom and community change among teachers, students, and families.
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The FSCS Grant is a five-year (2024-2028) grant program serves approximately 1,682 students at five schools (students numbers may change based on annual enrollments.) EL CENTRO proposes both in-school and after-school programming, arranged by school staff. Example activities are arts integration, digital media integration, and project-based learning.
The EL CENTRO program's main objectives aims to develop and implement a culture of collaboration, High-Quality Early Childhood Programs, High-Quality school and out-of-school time, expanded & enriched programs, strategies, learning time and a systemic culture of collaboration. The program also aims to support children's transition from Pre-K to kindergarten, to elementary school, to middle school, to High school, to post-secondary education and the workforce. The program also provides family and community engagement assistance, as well as social, health, nutrition, and mental health services and support.
Essentials for Community School Transformation
Collaborators & Organizations
FSCS El Centro collaborates with local school districts and community organizations to support high-needs schools in Lake County, transforming them into vibrant hubs of education and community engagement. With partners ranging from higher education institutions to community-based organizations, we provide resources and opportunities that empower students and families.
Participating Schools
(Local Educational Agencies-LEA)
FSCS El Centro collaborates with a network of dedicated educational and community partners to support two high-needs school districts in Lake County, Illinois: Diamond Lake School District #76 in Mundelein and North Chicago School District #187.
Community Partners
(Non-LEA)
Our Community Partners bring a wealth of resources and expertise, making a lasting impact on both districts. Our collaborators include four higher learning institutions and eight community-based organizations.