Leading the way in lifelong learning through research-based educational solutions that strengthen family-school-community partnerships.

CSC Spotlight

Understanding and Implementing Act 1 of 2022: A Guide for School Staff

Act 1 of 2022 (Act 1) establishes clear responsibilities for school entities to support students experiencing educational instability, ensuring they have equitable access to academics and extracurricular activities. The law promotes proactive planning and assessment to help students stay on track for timely high school graduation. By removing barriers, addressing individual needs, and providing essential support, Act 1 strengthens protections for Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable students, reinforcing the state’s commitment to educational stability and success.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education, in collaboration with the Center for Schools and Communities, is dedicated to helping schools accurately identify all students eligible for Act 1 of 2022 and ensuring they receive the full benefits of the law.

Watch Center for Schools and Communities staff, Benjamin Simmons, Matthew Butensky and Meghan Dale, provide an informative session on the fundamentals of Act 1 of 2022. Gain an overview of the legislation, its key provisions, and practical strategies for effective implementation in educational settings.

2023-2024 Pennsylvania Children’s Trust Fund and Strengthening Families™ Annual Report

Pennsylvania Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) provides funding for evidence-based and research-informed child abuse prevention programs, which focus on preventing abuse before it occurs for the first time.

Pennsylvania Strengthening Families Leadership Team (SFLT) activities are supported by the CTF Board, which contracts with CSC to facilitate this work. SFLT works to promote the inclusion of the Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors Framework into policies, programs and practices in multiple family service systems throughout the state.

In 2023-2024:

• More than $1 million in CTF grant funds were issued to nearly 20 grantees.
• More than 10 evidence-based, evidence informed, and promising practices were offered by CTF grantees to families.
• 826 people participated in professional learning experiences.

Professional Learning Opportunities

Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Coach Training

Sept. 9-11 | Florida

2025 Refugee Education Summit

Sept. 15-17 | Lancaster

Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Coach Training

Oct. 14-16 | Virtual

2025 Paving the Way to Educational Success Conference
Oct. 15-16 | Pittsburgh area, Pennsylvania, and Virtual

Career Opportunities

There are no current openings. 

Please visit the CSIU careers webpage for updates. 

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Center for Schools and Communities provides comprehensive services to build organizational capacity. We work closely with local education agencies, community-based organizations and state and local departments to strengthen systems. We help our clients increase their knowledge, awareness and skills by providing high quality professional learning opportunities, research and evaluation design, and customized consultation. Our knowledgeable staff has a diverse array of expertise and skills in school safety, youth violence prevention, out-of-school time, family-community-school partnerships and positive youth development. We will work with you to review, develop and implement plans to meet your needs and identify effective strategies designed to transform lives.