SAM Partners

SAM relies upon two types of partners: program partners and funding partners. We are fortunate that some businesses/corporations/organizations are able to fill both roles.

SAM is not a direct services provider. We assess data-driven indicators for success across the cradle-through-career continuum. Where data analysis indicates opportunities to improve success, we convene partners that do run programs to develop initiatives that strengthen their work and the work of others to better support the long-term goals of all. We help align local resources and draw in new resources to fuel those initiatives. We provide training to embed continuous improvement practices to further strengthen the impact our partners and their unique work has on our community. We find out what is done well in our community and work to scale those efforts in alignment with our shared vision.

SAM partners understand that equity is not equality. The same approach will not build success for everyone, so it is important that as we co-develop success-building initiatives we are doing so with an understanding of and involvement from the diverse community members we serve. We are advancing equity across the county.

To build supports for children and families, we start where they can be found - the majority within our system of 7 public school districts that collectively reach nearly 50,000 school-age children and their families. The seven district format creates a unique and powerful dynamic - each district serving its unique community demographic while providing great insight to the county-wide efforts for all children. We invite public charter schools (some reference them as our 8th district) into this work as well.

The data stream supported through our partnership with the districts, combined with additional data from the Early Development Instrument and Student Tracker, provides SAM with the rich data resources needed to delve deeply into outcomes across key learning stages.

SAM’s position is unique - while some of our program partners do provide some funding support for our operations, we can remain objective as we assess data, convene partners, align resources, and drive equity into community-based action.