Dear Friends,

As I write this, the official end of summer is upon us. Autumn has arrived and with it a myriad of traditional end-of-year activities. One of the most important activities to the fulfillment of our vision and mission is voting. The students we serve are counting on you to ensure they have access and opportunity to become economically mobile. Please think of them when filling out your ballot.

In keeping with our commitment to action, we have recently launched our Bold Conversations About Equity initiative. Here we offer a space where people can learn different perspectives, lifestyles, and experiences. It is our belief that by providing places where diversity comes together, a new understanding can blossom.   

Read on to learn about the tremendous impact our proven programs had this summer, our pivot to online delivery, and how we have taken our success into school year implementation. None of this would be possible without the dedication and focus of our staff and Board of Directors, and generous support from our partners and donors.  Because of you, over 3,600 students and 300 teachers grew in their skills and self efficacy!

We hope to see many of you at our DreamMakers 2020 Full STEM Ahead online fundraiser. Until then, enjoy the fall colors, cooler nights, and pumpkin spice lattes!

Lisa Andrew
President & CEO, SVEF

Coming Soon!

Bold Conversations About Equity

103 participants attended the first Bold Conversations About Equity series on September 30th. Moderator Dr. Eric Andrew dived into topics ranging from equity in classrooms to sensitive topics about racism. Breakout room sessions, each led by a panelist, gave participants to engage more deeply and all questions were answered honestly and openly. Panelist Langston Peoples (above) summarized by saying, "We are merely invisible." Stay tuned for information about our next Bold Conversation About Equity in November.

The Data Is In! Elevate [Math] Online Improves Student Outcomes

In summer 2020, SVEF delivered our newly-online Elevate [Math] program to 176 classes and over 3,000 students. Using tools like Zoom and NearPod, the curriculum was adapted and delivered online to students for the first time -- to great success! We also adapted all our teacher training to address the new skills educators need in the online classroom. Students come into the program not meeting standards in their previous year’s math course. Elevate [Math] not only fills those gaps, but also front loads the next grade level concepts. This year, 67% of Elevate [Math] 3-5 and 57% of Elevate [Math] 6-10 students showed improvement when comparing pre and post assessments. As a result, these students have greater math skills and confidence as they begin the new school year.

SVEF Delivers 14,000 Integrated Learning Packets

Many students are separated from online learning by the digital divide, so when COVID-19 school closures hit in March 2020 we knew additional resources were needed in the communities we serve. In response, SVEF created and delivered 14,000 printed at-home integrated learning packets to school districts throughout Santa Clara County in April and July. With thanks to a grant from Synopsys Silicon Valley Science & Technology Outreach Foundation, the packets address learning loss for K-10 students during this critical time. The packets were distributed to students at school meal pick-up locations, and featured Common Core mathematics, science experiments, and college readiness activities in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. A $10 gift card was included as an incentive for students who completed the printed packet. Download the packet and learn more!

Computer Science Offerings Expanded in 2020

The Computer Science Institute (CSI) is where coding and engineering collide! In its second year, the CSI program has gained momentum, doubling the number of classes offered from 2019. Since 2017, CSI has served 650 middle and high school students and 150 teachers. As part of our commitment to sustaining and improving learning, we've also extended our summer CSI program through the school year. 

In partnership with Code.org, SVEF also offers essential training for computer science teachers. In July, we kicked off the 2020 Code.org cohort with a 5-day professional learning program for educators. This group consists of 23 new teachers from across the Bay Area who will receive year-round CS content and online pedagogy support. 

Students & Volunteers Stay Engaged with Virtual Career Panels

Full Video HERE

This summer, the 49ers STEM Leadership Institute served 327 students across grades 7-12. Students participated in 65 hours of quality summer programming as part of their 6-year program commitment. Topics included design thinking and hands-on activities (virtually led!), CAD and software skills, and college and career readiness. We also hosted four special virtual career panels with volunteers from Micron, TIBCO, Chevron, and Juniper Networks. Panelists and students alike were pleased with an engaging experience and shared meaningful dialogue. Look for more virtual volunteer opportunities in the future!

Upcoming Events

Only a few days away! Join us online for our annual fundraiser as we celebrate our Teachers and Students of the Year. Enjoy chocolate and wine pairings while learning more about SVEF's pivot to online programs. With your support, SVEF can raise essential funds for Elevate [Math], the Computer Science Institute, the East Side Alliance, College Day 2020, and other programs that our students need now more than ever. Thursday, October 8th, 2020 4:30 - 5:30 pm...online at your device! Please RSVP by October 2.

College Day, 2020...A Week-Long Celebration!

College Day is a community-driven, county-wide celebration that shows students from diverse backgrounds that going to college is possible. Now in its 10th year, College Day (which is brought to the community by SVEF, the Santa Clara County Office of Education, and our partners) will offer a full week of workshops open to students, families and teachers from October 19-23, 2020, in order to promote college and career readiness for K-12 students. Learn more about the over 40 workshops available or click on the register button to sign up today! 

SVEF Welcomes Two New Board Members

Thank You to our Summer 2020 Donors

Allison Donnelly • AmazonSmile • Amy Hay • Apple • Applied Materials • Armin Mohammadi • Barbara Service • Chizen Family Foundation • Cisco • Clara Roa • Clare Cordero • Clorox • Cynthia Dote • D. John Miller Family Foundation • Daryl Coleman • Ebay • Flex • Google • Heather and Jonathan Jurek • Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley • Hoi Mak • Hoven Family Foundation • Intel • Jon Howe • Micron • NXP Semiconductors • Paisley Family Fund • Patty Hatter • PwC • Robert Thiele • San Francisco 49ers Foundation • Soul Focus Sports • Steve Zamek • US Bank • Wells Fargo Bank • Western Digital • Yu Ching Yu

SVEF appreciates the generous individuals and institutions who made gifts to SVEF July 1 - October 1, 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.