The Everett Freeman Promise
Neighborhood Initiative

In 2016, we were the first Tribe in the U.S. to receive a $14 million federal Promise Neighborhood grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Education Program (FIE). It’s an investment that will span across generations.

In honor of our former Tribal chairman, a strong advocate for education, we named our grant the “Everett Freeman Promise Neighborhood Initiative.” This unprecedented funding opportunity has provided families and students with “cradle to college” educational programs and solutions that span from birth through K-12 schooling to college and career.

From 2017 to 2022, we worked with our local partners to align, link, expand, and enhance community services. Together, we shared a vision of transforming the Corning and Rancho Tehama communities through educational resources.

Our partners in this promise have included the City of Corning, Corning Union High School District, Corning Union Elementary School District, First 5 Tehama, Northern California Child Development Inc., River Cities Counseling, Tehama County Department of Education, and the Tehama County Health Services Agency. 

During this time, our efforts led to positive academic and developmental outcomes for children of all ages. We improved the physical and social-emotional well-being of children and families, created opportunities for high-quality instruction, and expanded opportunities for career readiness and life-long success.

In 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom recognized the potential of California Promise Neighborhoods to change community outcomes and chose to invest in four Promise Neighborhoods, including the Everett Freeman Promise Neighborhood (“Corning Promise”). With this new grant, the Tribe will continue to build on our earlier work of supporting the academic, emotional, and social well-being of children and youth through June 2025.