Fresno Unified School District is rebranding its academic support program for Black students, renaming it “Advancing Academic Acceleration & Achievement” (A4) to avoid losing $250 million in federal funding. The change comes after the Trump administration threatened to cut schools with race-based programs and a discrimination lawsuit against the district.
The A4 department was created in 2017 to focus on improving academic performance among Black students, who were struggling to meet California’s reading standards at that time. Since then, the program has expanded to serve not just Black students but also other marginalized groups, including Latino, Afro-Latino, Hmong, Native American, and Pacific Islander students.
However, some community leaders have expressed concerns that the name change may shift focus away from equity for Black students. Eric Payne, executive director of the Central Valley Urban Institute, said the change raises a “dangerous” question about whether equity is a priority for the district.
Despite the concerns, district leaders assure that the program’s core mission remains intact. The restructuring aims to promote initiatives more broadly and align better with district literacy and intervention goals. A4 will also continue to provide in-class, small-group targeted intervention for students in grades preK-6 and hold workshops for parents to learn how to help their children improve academically.
Community members attended a forum to learn about the changes and provide input. Many voiced their desire to help and expressed support for the program’s mission. The district leaders appreciated the turnout, engagement, and support from the community to elevate the department.
Source: https://gvwire.com/2025/11/24/fresno-unified-restructures-black-student-achievement-dept-to-protect-fed-funds