Kicking Off 2026 with Impact

FEATURED

A Permanent Home for Cedars International Academy in Austin, Texas

Last November, in partnership with Equitable Facilities Fund (EFF), Blueprint completed a transformative financing and development deal—securing below-market financing to acquire the building on Cedars’ behalf and marking the first time EFF has invested in a developer. We’re now managing the project through final improvements ahead of its opening for the 2026–27 school year. The new campus will offer spacious classrooms, science labs, a full cafeteria, outdoor play areas, and room to grow—helping Cedars reach toward its charter maximum and deepen career-connected learning opportunities for its community.

HIGHLIGHTS

Keeping Construction Moving at Cox Academy in Oakland, CA

While students and teachers enjoyed a well-earned holiday break, critical facility work continued behind the scenes at Education for Change’s Cox Academy. The break created an important window to advance construction without disrupting learning, helping keep the multi-year campus project on track. Key infrastructure work completed during this time is essential to delivering the first facility in time for the Fall 2026 school year, with the full campus continuing toward completion in 2027. We’re deeply grateful to the many partners and teams who went above and beyond—working weekends and late nights—to maintain momentum and ensure classrooms were ready when students returned. This collective effort is what makes it possible to deliver high-quality learning spaces that will serve students for years to come.

HIGHLIGHTS

Bringing Real Estate Development to Life for High School Students in Seattle, WA

James Heugas, Executive Director, Washington, led high school students from Summit Atlas through the Urban Land Institute’s Urban Plan, where students stepped into professional roles, collaborated with industry mentors, and explored the complexities of urban redevelopment—from finance and sustainability to community engagement. This hands-on experience reflects Blueprint’s commitment to equitable workforce development, helping students see themselves in real estate and urban development careers and imagine what’s possible.

OUR PEOPLE

Blueprint presenting at CCSA 2026

If you’re planning your conference schedule, we’d also love to see you at three CCSA sessions featuring Jennifer Afdahl Rice, Executive Director, Northern California, and Mary Grace Houlihan, Project Director, Northern California as  presenters:

• Enhancing Charter School Facilities for Climate Resiliency (Jennifer)

• Prop. 2 and Incentive Grant Funding: From Award to Permanent Home (Jennifer) 

• Facilities: Finding the Right Place and Building the Right Space (Mary Grace)

EVENTS: Blueprint on the Road

Cocktails & Conversations at CCSA 2026

We’re excited to invite you to Cocktails & Conversations, our annual CCSA Conference gathering co-hosted by Blueprint and ExED. It will be an evening to connect with fellow charter leaders, partners, and friends over great conversations and cocktails (or mocktails!).

📍 RISU | 207 E Seaside Way, Suite A | Long Beach
🗓 Tuesday, February 24 | 7:00 PM

Colorado League of Charter Schools Conference

We will be attending the Colorado League's annual Charter School Conference in Denver from February 25-27.