Rancho Cordova

Rancho Cordova carries a layered history of Black American settlers dating back to the mid-1800s, with growth accelerating after World War II. While the region is attracting new investments in technology and entertainment, Black residents continue to face stark disparities in education, housing and public safety. Today, community partners are collaborating to overcome these inequities and create pathways for empowerment and restoration.

Our Community Incubator Lead (CIL)Project Optimism

Project Optimism is committed to sparking social transformation by empowering youth and young adults to lead and serve as productive contributors within their communities. Rooted in culturally responsive, holistic mentorship and community-building as crisis prevention, their approach restores personal and collective wholeness. By strengthening social infrastructure and cultivating positive identity, Project Optimism provides bridges for the people of Rancho Cordova to secure a thriving family legacy.

Contact

(916) 243-5202

ProjectOptimism.org

“Project Optimism has made an incredible impression on my children and I am so grateful to have had my children participate.”

– Mother of Student, Cordova Villa Elementary
Black Child Legacy Campaign logo

Four young ladies from Project Optimism posing for group photoKids sitting on the the grass doing arts and craftsMan, Woman, and three kids posing for group photo

“Our approach requires giving young people the opportunity to speak for themselves and helping them identify language so that they can be understood as experts of their own experiences.”

– Ishmael Pruitt, Co-Founder and CEO, Project Optimism

“I can’t thank you all enough for saving my son’s life. This program is a literal lifesaver.”

– Mother of Student at Starr King K-8 School

“Project Optimism has demonstrated a strong and effective model for supporting K–12 students through mentorship, leadership development and community-based programming. Their approach is grounded in relationship-building, identity development, and creating environments where students feel supported, engaged and empowered to succeed.”

– Kaifa Yates, Academic Counselor, Sacramento State University

“Over the past four years with [Project Optimism], I have grown more confident, more social and more capable in my abilities. Schools should have Project Optimism because it helps with growth in students!”

– Student, Winston Churchill Middle School