As the federal No Child Left Behind law places increased pressure on schools to improve the academic performance of all children--notably those who have been historically underserved--many educators are realizing that they cannot do the work alone. Now more than ever, the public schools need parents and other community leaders to work with them, not just to raise student test scores but, more important, to develop a community vision of successful, positive outcomes for children and youth. In response to this challenge, the Public Education Network (PEN) formed a Schools and Community Initiative, which involved local education funds (LEFs) in four communities across the country. PEN is a national organization of LEFs and individuals working to improve public schools and build citizen support for quality public education in low-income communities across the nation. Its mission is to build public demand and mobilize resources for quality public education for all children through a national constituency of organizations and individuals. PEN wanted more than just to promote a community-school approach. It wanted to help communities better recognize the importance and the benefits of coming together--of engaging--around programs for young people. PEN believes that the more engaged the public is in the process of establishing and implementing full-service community schools, the more sustainable these community schools become. Furthermore, LEFs are remaking their public schools into community hubs that serve students and adults alike. Academic instruction remains central, but students and teachers are supported by a multiplicity of other programs: after-school tutoring, mental health and medical services, social service programs for families (from housing to welfare), night school for adults (with classes on everything from English to job skills), and recreation and cultural services for everyone. This initiative was not only successful among the four LEFs that received the grant, but the lessons learned have been shared widely throughout the organization. PEN has become a member of the National Coalition for Community Schools, where its philosophy and experience can be imparted to other organizations.