2010 Community Schools Through Partnerships and Collaborations

The Downey Unified School District, the City of Downey, and over forty businesses and community-based organizations formed a coalition to maximize resources and support for students. The goal of the initiative is to increase focus on academics, and to unite diverse communities around a common language of values. The CHARACTER COUNTS! program is a citywide collaboration to address the need for character development to be taught throughout Downey versus just in schools. The City Council now mandates that city employees exemplify the Six Pillars of Character of Downey Unified School District has integrated these Pillars into their application process to become an employee. Sports teams and other organizations are also involved in promoting the Pillars of Character.