A Q&A with Yvonne Chan, Vaughn Next Century Learning Center (2007 recipient)
In 1993, Chan led Vaughn to become the nation’s first school in the country to convert to charter status, saving a failing school in Los Angeles’ largest district. It went on to develop an effective educational model that includes smaller classes, high academic expectations, a teacher accountability system, and an array of community partnerships that support children and their families — and dramatically improve student test scores and graduation rates.
For this and other innovations, she received the James Irvine Leadership Award in 2007. We asked her about the experience and what she has learned and done since.
What did it mean, at that time, to receive the Award?
In 2007, the charter movement was becoming more solid — seen less as an experiment — but we had to scale up the impact and the promising practices.
The Award showed trust in us and allowed me to expand on the core work. I put the money into early college programming for the high school and got matching funds from the Gates Foundation. This included dual-enrollment — new back then — for culinary, childhood development, and tech classes.
“The Award showed trust in us and allowed me to expand on the core work. I put the money into early college programming for the high school and got matching funds from the Gates Foundation.”
What’s something interesting or unexpected you went on to do?
I learned how to build! Bonds allowed us to build a library and theater in a neighborhood that had neither. We built four career tech modules. Within six blocks of city real estate we built 17 buildings — truly a village now. That development led to new small businesses and a Costco. We’ll be groundbreaking again next for housing for school faculty.
“I learned how to build! Bonds allowed us to build a library and theater in a neighborhood that had neither. We built four career tech modules. Within six blocks of city real estate we built 17 buildings —truly a village now.”
What advice about leadership would you share with others?
Be confident in asking when you don’t know something, but trust yourself that with the right knowledge and partnerships you can solve problems. Be inclusive and think about what all parties bring to the table. If not, it will not succeed.
And understand the opportunity of timing: when initiatives are coming up, policies go into effect, funding is available. Be on top of things before they happen, or else it will be a missed opportunity.
How do you think about leadership in difficult times?
Whatever you do, ask if it really matters and will have a measurable impact. Then get like-minded people together and leverage what others are doing or resources they have. Always continue to build the capacity within your own organization or group.
What would you like philanthropists to know?
We need more seed money for smaller entities to get started on local levels. You cannot do the same old, same old. We need exploratory funding for innovation.
How has your path evolved since the Award? What’s next?
I served two terms on the California State Education Board (under Governors Schwarzenegger and Brown) and now am on the LA County Board Office of Education. I designed policies around tech pathways and dual-language standards. Recently, I cofounded the Association of CA County Boards of Education (ACCBE). It’s my baby!
“I served two terms on the California State Education Board (under Governors Schwarzenegger and Brown) and now am on the LA County Board Office of Education. I designed policies around tech pathways and dual-language standards.”