Dear Friends,

Amidst all the chaos that is our current reality, I am encouraged by the love and light of this time of year. It is no surprise that lights have been an important element in many holidays and festivals throughout the world. Throughout the month of December, many countries use light as an important symbol.  

Thanks to our strong partnerships, SVEF has continued to be the “light” to students and educators as we continue with our COVID-19 Pivot. During the last quarter of 2020, SVEF launched school-year programming in mathematics and computer science based on our proven summer programs. These have been a valuable resource as educators look for high quality and engaging curriculum that works!  

Did you attend our Distance Learning Forum? If you missed hearing about best practices and learnings from our panels of implementers and experts, click HERE to view the discussion in its entirety.

Last quarter I wrote about the launch of our Bold Conversations About Equity initiative.  Both the September and November conversations drew a diverse group from across the nation learning about different perspectives, lifestyles, and experiences. Join us in January for our next event. 

In 2021, SVEF will continue its established legacy of advocating and delivering STEM education that inspires students furthest from access and opportunity to college and careers. Together, our dedicated staff, Board of Directors, partners and donors will take the best of 2020 and plan for the new educational landscape.

We wish you the very best this holiday season and hope your “light” shines brightly!

Lisa Andrew
President & CEO, SVEF

Coming Soon!

Elevate [Math]2 Kicks off in nearly 90 classes!  

In an effort to provide districts with more support for their students this academic school year, the Elevate [Math] team revamped their former “Elevate [Math] Plus” after school program to offer Elevate [Math]2 (squared).  Elevate [Math]2 offers a rigorous math curriculum for grades 3-10 to supplement virtual learning with a focus on key standards necessary for grade level mastery.

For the 2020-2021 school year, 8 school districts in Santa Clara and Monterey Counties are hosting nearly 90 classes with an expected support of over 1200 students through this initiative. 

Hands-on Computer Science Experience using Micro:bits

SVEF's Computer Science program incorporated a pocket-sized computer called a micro:bit this academic school year to ensure local middle school students have access to tangible learning to develop integral skills even while at home.

SVEF partnered with four local middle school districts currently serving 200 students to inspire their interest in Computer Science. The content is structured to power engagement through hands-on project based learning while stimulating creativity, collaboration and computational thinking. 

 Bay Area Community tuned in for College Day

"The most useful thing I learned from College Week was the opportunities for students within multiple career pathways."  -College Week Attendee

Click HERE to watch the video in it's entirety. 

This fall, SVEF virtually hosted the 10th anniversary of College Day.

The College Day Rally broadcasted online at LeyVa Middle School reached over 500 attendees with a special recognition received by Assemblyman Ash Kalra and Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren.

20,000 College Day swag were distributed to Santa Clara County school districts through meal pick-up channels. The event included 40 live and pre-recorded virtual workshops serving over 1,000 students, parents, teachers, and community members throughout the Bay Area.

Workshop topics included Financial Literacy, STEM Careers, Parent University, Career Pathways, and MORE.

For a complete list of our recorded workshops visit svefoundation.org/collegday.

SLI Students Learn STEM in the Kitchen

SLI equipped and distributed 120 Kitchen Chemistry kits to 9th and 10th graders.

Our teachers led them through a multi-week unit which included math and science exploration in bread and dumpling making through Google Meet. Not only was it informative, but it was a great stress reliever for students as they neared finals week. An added bonus - their families enjoying the yummy treat!

Thank You to our Winter 2020 Donors

Alicia Padilla • AmazonSmile • Anthony Juliana • Catherine Wicker • Ceely Hubbard • Cisco Systems • Cynthia Dote • D. John Miller Foundation • Diksha Radhakrishnan • Elizabeth Wolf • Eric Stone • Esther Ayorinde • Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost LLP • HSBC Philanthropic Programs • Jennifer Turner Beachy • Juan Cruz • Kathleen Matusich • Kristin Feitzinger • Los Altos Community Foundation • Marissa Pike • Micron • Microsoft Corp • Modupe Rouse • Murad Kurwa • Nicholas Zobel • Oracle Corp • PG&E • Rodney Turner • SF 49ers Foundation • Soul Focus Sports • Splunk Inc. • Sue Lipsey • Terri Viera • Thomas Flynn • Wafa Shami • Zia Yusuf

SVEF appreciates the generous individuals and institutions who made gifts to SVEF October 1st - December 1st excluding DreamMakers 2020 donations.  If you have a question about your gift or would like to make a change to your listing, please contact development@svefoundation.org.