Community Vision is pleased to announce that beginning this year California State University, Fresno will lead the Community Facilities Challenge (CFC). Community Vision’s initial idea for a CFC was brought to Fresno State because of their rich history in service-learning. The first CFC launched in 2012. Since that time, Community Vision has been partnered with Fresno State to present this unique competition that invites students to combine hands-on experience with classroom theory to solve a real world community space challenge.
Fresno State students are placed in multidisciplinary teams to prepare a real estate development proposal for a community real estate project that benefits low-income communities in Fresno County. Throughout the process, students receive support from expert real estate consultants and the project culminates with students showcasing their work in front of a panel of judges composed of local industry experts.
The CFC, now an ongoing program and part of Fresno State’s curriculum, has grown to have incredible impact within the Fresno community. Over time the program has evolved into a tool that inspires students to embark upon careers in development, construction, and design.
“Community Vision will remain a supportive partner to Fresno State as they take the lead on this important project,” said Esperanza Pallana, Community Vision’s Director of Strategic Initiatives. “Our focus has always been the communities we serve, and it is rewarding when we can create opportunities for people to realize the powerful visions they have for themselves and their communities. We see this transition as the best opportunity to manifest this work.”
In addition to supporting students in finding local employment opportunities, the CFC has enabled students to prepare real estate improvement plans for the community-serving organizations including:
- The Kings Regional Traditional Folk Arts
- Highway City Community Development
- City of Livingston proposed theater
- Fresno Center for New Americans
- The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California
- Poverello House
- El Dorado Park neighborhood
- Wesley United Methodist Church
- Stone Soup
- Fink White Community Center
- Frank H. Ball Community Center
- Sal Mosqueda Community Center
- Ted C. Wills Community Center
- The Armenian Museum of Fresno
- Vision View
- Common Space Fresno
- City of Livingston’s proposed grocery site
If you have any questions about the CFC, please contact California State University, Fresno at 559.278.4240.
