The SUN (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods) Service System, a staple in Multnomah County for supporting families and their children, is commemorating a significant milestone: 25 years of service. This program, well-regarded for its after-school programming and breadth of community-based resources, hasn't just stood the test of time; it has expanded from its humble beginnings of eight community schools in 1999 to a robust network of 94 schools across six school districts today. As SUN Community Schools continue to make strides in enriching the lives of many, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners received a comprehensive overview on Tuesday, Aug. 20, detailing the system’s evolution and ongoing impact.
In a statement obtained by Multnomah County, Chair Jessica Vega Pederson expressed pride in the program’s past and optimism for its future, saying "These very momentous 25 years have taken us from eight community schools, back when it started in 1999, to 94 schools across six school districts today." However, the services extend far beyond educational programming. They encapsulate a wide array of support mechanisms ranging from connecting families to crucial resources such as food and shelter, to offering health and mental health services, and to engaging in community events.
According to a study by the RAND Corporation highlighted by the United States Department of Education in 2023, programs similar to the SUN service system have demonstrated improved student attendance and achievement. This fact underscores the system’s shared ownership and collaborative philosophy that Chair Vega Pederson emphasized in the briefing. “This program is a shining example of shared ownership and collaboration," she said, acknowledging that the success of SUN Community Schools is the result of partnerships with various entities from school districts to state departments.
An important operational development for SUN was the recent adjustment to the SUN procurement process. Initially paused in 2023 to better align with identified community needs, this process has now resumed, driven by a collaborative effort among various stakeholders in the education and community service sectors. SUN’s manager, Walter Rodriguez, indicated that the program has not only grown in size but also in national recognition, with other community school initiatives looking to replicate the model.
SUN Community Schools, as noted in a briefing that included insights from Rodriguez and Deputy Director for the Department of County Human Services Rachel Pearl, serves to advocate for youth and families, stabilize family situations, and foster early learning. The program’s impact is evidenced by its wide reach in fiscal year 2023: 16,603 students engaged in SUN programs, and 29,494 households received assistance with energy costs. Furthermore, the SUN system is preparing for the next 25 years by enhancing programming and stabilizing the workforce. It has delineated a new path for service procurement, emphasizing organizational capacity and tailored service delivery in culturally specific communities.
The procedure for sourcing future SUN service providers will start on Sept. 6 with the Request for Programmatic Qualifications (RFPQ), as Rodriguez stated. This new procurement strategy aims to establish a collection of prospective community-based organizations ready to support the SUN’s mission for the foreseeable future, signing on for five-year contracts starting July 1, 2025.
