The YEF Institute staff is beginning to look more closely at the K-12 education and afterschool needs of small cities with a population of 50,000 or under.  This work began in 2006 in partnership with NLC’s Small Cities Council. 

Small Cities Education Network

The Small Cities Education Network will create opportunities for local officials in cities with less than 50,000 people to learn and share strategies for improving public schools and developing effective city-school district partnerships.  Network members will receive periodic e-mails with best practices, as well as updates and research from the education field.  To join the network, contact Andrew Moore at (215) 848-6910 or moore@nlc.org.

Small Cities, Towns, and Villages Survey

During the fall of 2006, the YEF Institute conducted a survey of small cities, towns, and villages with populations of 50,000 and less in order to better gain a better understanding of city-school district partnerships and small cities' needs with regard to K-12 education and afterschool.  The survey was sent to nearly municipal and school district leaders in 100 cities that are part of NLC’s Small Cities Council. 
Read the Survey Findings »