Organization
Mission & Vision
The California Newcomer Network (CANN) works to provide resources, connect colleagues across organizations, and advance systems change for newcomer students.
We support the development of a well-defined field, so that educators statewide can draw from common tools, benchmarks, and models of strong practice.
We envision a future in which California schools provide newcomers with a welcoming environment, high quality instruction, pathways to postsecondary success, and connections with community, legal, and social services.
Our Work
Resources
We curate references and tools for educators and adminthrough our website and newsletters. We are exploring the development of new materials to support implementation.
Organizing
We hold quarterly meetings for K-12 staff and support cooperative work across organizations.
Advising
We consult with state and local groups on newcomer-serving initiatives.
Analysis & Advocacy
We conduct policy research and uplift school staff priorities to inform legislation.
History
The California Newcomer Network (CANN) began as Efraín Tovar’s Innovator Project during the 2016 Google for Education Innovator Academy in Mexico City, and launched as a volunteer effort in 2020 to support educators serving newcomer students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouraged by Deedy Camarena to expand beyond the Central Valley, CANN grew into a statewide network for connection, collaboration, and resource sharing.
In 2023, CANN partnered with the California Department of Social Services’ California Newcomer Education & Wellbeing (CalNEW) Program to host webinars and support the CalNEW Community of Practice. Today, our work is shaped directly by practitioner-leaders from 21 school districts across the state. We are a fiscally sponsored project of the Oakland Public Education Fund, supported by Sobrato Philanthropies.
As we grow, CANN continues to build cross-sector partnerships across education, healthcare, immigration law, and community services. Together, we are committed to ensuring every newcomer youth in California has access to the welcoming schools, support systems, and opportunities they deserve to thrive in our diverse and dynamic state.
