Say Yes Cleveland

02/16/2026

Last week, our leadership and staff rolled up our sleeves at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, packing meals and supporting families across our region. Because we know that when students and families are struggling with food insecurity, it affects everything - attendance, focus, and the ability to thrive in school.

This work reminds us why we do what we do: Cleveland's students and families deserve every opportunity to succeed, both in the classroom and beyond. We're proud to show up for our community in every way we can.

A huge thank you to Supervisor Lamont Davis for organizing this effort and bringing our team together, and to Executive Director Derrick Fulton for leading the charge.

02/13/2026

This afternoon, our Executive Director Derrick Fulton convened his first townhall with Say Yes Cleveland leadership and staff (including a fireside chat with Family Support Specialist Shuntaya Howard.)

During the session, Derrick shared his background and experience, outlined his vision for the organization’s future, and discussed our path forward - one focused on strengthening partnerships with community organizations and deepening our support for Cleveland’s students and families.

We are committed to this work and to the students and families we serve. Together, we will continue building on Say Yes Cleveland’s mission to ensure every student has access to the opportunities they need to succeed.

01/16/2026

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Derrick Fulton as Executive Director of Say Yes Cleveland, effective February 9th.

Fulton brings significant expertise in educational leadership and a demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and opportunity for students. His strategic approach and vision align closely with Say Yes Cleveland's mission to increase high school and post-secondary completion rates for Cleveland Metropolitan School District students.

His leadership will be instrumental in advancing our organizational goals and expanding pathways to success for Cleveland students. Please join us in welcoming Fulton to Say Yes Cleveland.

Say Yes Cleveland is proud to announce the appointment of Derrick Fulton as its new Executive Director. Fulton begins his tenure on Monday, February 9th, 2026. A seasoned nonprofit leader with a deep commitment to educational equity and community development, Fulton transitions to the role from his

01/05/2026

Cleveland Metropolitan School District is committed to helping families make informed decisions and find the best fit for their child’s success.

The School Choice Portal is official open on Today, January 5, 2026, until close on Friday, February 27, 2026.

This is an important opportunity for families with scholars at schools impacted by he Building Brighter Futures plan, as well as current 8th graders in all CMSD schools. Additionally, families who wish to request a new CMSD school for the 2026-2027 academic year, and families not currently attending a CMSD school who want to enroll, are encouraged to choose a school.

Don’t miss this chance to shape your scholar’s future. Explore your options and make your selection before the deadline!

For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/4n9v76hr.

09/30/2025

Attention, Attention! The enrollment deadline for the Say Yes Cleveland Scholarship is approaching. Incoming freshmen must reside within the district and must be enrolled by the first day of school to be eligible for this incredible opportunity upon graduation.

Applications are currently open, so don’t wait!

Click the link below for more back-to-school information and visit sayyescleveland.org to apply today!

www.clevelandmetroschools.org/Back-to-School

09/09/2025

Thank you to Chelsea Daniel from The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland for joining our team today to share important information about the services available to support Cleveland’s families and students. We appreciate your partnership in helping connect our community to the resources they need. ⚖️

09/04/2025

On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, join us at the CMSD East Professional Development Center (1349 E. 79th Street, Cleveland, OH 44103) for the Cleveland Goes to College Fair from 9am - 2pm.

Students and families will have the chance to:
Explore colleges and degree programs
Discover career pathways
Plan your life after high school

This one-day event is designed to help you imagine your next chapter and take the steps to get there. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the people and programs that can make your college and career dreams a reality. Cleveland Metropolitan School District College Now Greater Cleveland

09/03/2025

The Fall 2025 Say Yes Cleveland Newsletter is out! This edition features updates on your dedicated Family Support Specialist, recent promotions, and more. Click the link below to read the full newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sayyescleveland/spring2025newsletter-5858796?e=789ccf9832

08/19/2025

Happy first week of school, Cleveland Metropolitan School District and partner charter schools!

As we begin the 2025-2026 school year, Say Yes Cleveland is here to make sure families and students have the support they need to succeed. Did you know every school has a Family Support Specialist dedicated to helping connect students and families with resources, services, and opportunities?

Meet your Family Support Specialist and learn more about how they can support your child this year in our new blog below!

The start of a new school year is always full of possibility, a time to set goals, build connections, and dream big. At Say Yes Cleveland, we are excited to walk alongside you and your family every step of the way. Whether this is your first year in Cleveland Metropolitan School District or a partne

08/13/2025

Say Yes Cleveland is hiring an Executive Director to lead a 75+ person school-based support model with Cleveland Metropolitan School District and partner charter schools. We’re seeking a visionary, data driven, equity-minded leader with deep fundraising and cross-sector experience. Very competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Apply/share!

The Executive Director of Say Yes Cleveland is the organization’s top executive, responsible for advancing its mission, providing visionary leadership, and executing strategy across all school-based programs, operations, public and private partnerships, and organizational fundraising efforts. Repo...

08/11/2025

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Say Yes Cleveland table at the All-City Back-to-School Festival on August 9th!

We loved connecting with students, families, and community members to share information about the services and support available in every Cleveland public school, from our Family Support Specialists to the Say Yes Cleveland scholarship. It was inspiring to see so many people gearing up for a strong start to the school year.

A huge shoutout to the amazing partners, volunteers, and event organizers for creating such a fun and resource-filled day for our community. Your energy and commitment remind us that when we come together, we can ensure every Cleveland student has what they need to succeed.

Here’s to a successful 2025–26 school year! City of Cleveland - City Hall Mayor Justin M. Bibb Cleveland Metropolitan School District

08/07/2025

Join us at the City of Cleveland - City Hall's All City Back to School Fest on August 9th from 9am - Noon at Cleveland Public Auditorium. Free school supplies, resources, and family fun for ALL Cleveland families. Free parking in the Willard Garage!