About

The Compass

Manchester Proud: Building a Future of Excellence in Education

Mission Statement

Manchester Proud’s mission is to mobilize the full strength of our community—schools, families, businesses, and partners—to support youth success and strengthen public education.

Values Statement

We believe that:

Investment in public education is essential to ensuring Manchester’s economic, cultural, and civic growth.
Family engagement is essential to student learning and success.
Local businesses and community organizations play a vital role in partnering with the Manchester School District to provide pathways and opportunities for students.
Every student has the right to a comprehensive, high-quality public education.

Manchester Proud envisions a community united to ensure every public school student has opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.

WHO WE ARE

Building Tomorrow in Today's Schools

The future of our City is being made today in Manchester’s public schools – the most essential source of our community’s economic growth, wellness, cultural vitality, and civic engagement.

Shaping Our Future

Nearly 90% of our kids attend public schools, making our schools the most opportune place to face and address our challenges and create opportunities.

Community Strong

Manchester Proud began as a city-wide movement and is now a thriving organization, uniting our community to make our public schools outstanding—for every student and for everyone in Manchester!

Driving Community Impact

Manchester Proud plays a unique role as a community connector and resource partner, driving meaningful change by creating learning opportunities and career pathways for students, maximizing community resources in our public schools, and building a culture of pride and engagement in our schools and city.

Empowering Progress

Manchester Proud’s projects have been undertaken by more than 350 volunteers, empowered to bring their life experiences and expertise to our work. It is this power of many that has enabled our extraordinary progress!

SUPPORTING MANCHESTER'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS

See how Manchester Proud is driving meaningful change—from launching a community resource portal to implementing initiatives that support student success—guided by our shared vision for excellence in learning.

Building Together

From 2018 to 2020, we led a city-wide planning process to develop “Our Community’s Plan for Manchester’s Future of Learning,” which was adopted by the school board as the District’s “living” strategic plan.

Bridging Gaps

We launched The Compass, a user-friendly online resource providing one-stop access to information, services, and opportunities for Manchester’s students and families.

Supporting Students

CelebratED and Spring Into Summer are our two signature events that bring the community together to reduce barriers for families and students, creating access to opportunities, resources, and connections.

Strengthening Collaborations

We appointed a dedicated Community Partnerships Director to cultivate robust partnerships, optimizing community support for schools.

Aligning Resources

With Compass Live, we convene over 60 community partners monthly, ensuring their offerings connect seamlessly with school needs.

Manchester Proud stands strong, independent of any affiliations. We believe in collaboration, equity, and inclusivity. Our purpose is clear: a stronger Manchester built on the foundation of excellent public schools and we believe that NOW is the time to act.

Building Equity in Manchester's Public Schools, One Step at a Time

See how Manchester Proud has ignited transformative changes, from establishing an Equity Imperative to creating a community resource portal, all guided by the shared plan for “Excellence and Equity for ALL Learners.”

Building Together

We secured community buy-in and funding for “Our Community’s Plan,” a roadmap for equitable excellence in Manchester schools, now guiding progress citywide.

Prioritizing Equity

We championed the Equity Imperative, bringing on the district’s first Chief Equity Officer and solidifying an Equity Blueprint for action.

Bridging Gaps

We launched The Compass, a Board-backed network and online resource portal, fostering vibrant school-community connections.

Celebrating Success

Annually, our CelebratED! festival unites the city in joyful appreciation of student achievements and school brilliance.

Strengthening Collaborations

We appointed a dedicated Community Partnerships Director to cultivate robust partnerships, optimizing community support for schools.

Aligning Resources

With Compass Live, we convene over 60 community partners monthly, ensuring their offerings connect seamlessly with school needs.

Building Transparency

Partnering with the Chamber, we host “State of the Manchester School District,” an annual public forum sharing progress and aspirations.

Meet the dedicated team behind Manchester Proud, a group of passionate and skilled individuals committed to driving positive change and making a significant impact in our community.

Latest News

Mar | 25 | 2026

Summer 2026 Resource Guides

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Mar | 25 | 2026

MP Update – March 2026

I’m excited to share that Manchester Proud has officially finalized our strategic plan—a milestone that reflects months of listening, collaboration, and thoughtful planning alongside our community. This process has helped […]

Jan | 28 | 2026

MP Update – January 2026

Happy New Year! As we begin 2026, I want to thank our families, partners, educators, and community members for your continued commitment to Manchester Proud. Your collaboration and trust make […]

GET INVOLVED!

Building and maintaining strong community partnerships multiplies our impact. By bringing together shared knowledge, experience, resources, and commitment, we create more opportunities for all learners to succeed. Together, our collective efforts help advance opportunities for every student.