Tag: volunteer

August means back to school for students in East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park. EPAK board member Mary Ruth Leen is visiting our EPAK schools to introduce the grant program to eager teachers applying for basic classroom needs and more. Teachers are eligible for up to $750 in regular grants. A team of teachers may apply for special grants up to $5000 for wide scope, high impact projects.

Current grant recipient Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School teacher Ryan B. wrote:

I see every day how critical it is to provide targeted, engaging, and appropriately leveled learning materials. Our classroom is rich in determination and resilience, but our resources do not fully meet the needs of our learners. By equipping Room 53 with the tools to meet learners at their level—whether in reading or math—we can create a learning environment where all students have the opportunity to thrive.

East Palo Alto Charter School teacher Valerie M. writes:

Our school serves a vibrant and diverse community, many of whom face financial and logistical barriers to access enrichment opportunities outside of the classroom. I am applying for a grant to fund a field trip to the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley. Exposure to environments like this can spark curiosity, build confidence, and ignite a lifelong interest in STEM fields, an educational experience many students would not have otherwise.

Meeting the needs of these two highly motivated teachers is only possible thanks to the continued generosity of our supporters. Thank you so much for caring for EPAK students.

Thank you to all our EPAK supporters!

East Palo Alto Community Archives honored EPAK in a community celebration at Cooley Landing Education Center recently. An enthusiastic gathering of EPA dignitaries, community leaders and residents gathered to recognize a small group of dedicated non-profits who have worked in East Palo Alto for 25 years or more. The celebration coincided with East Palo Alto 42nd anniversary as a city. The award cited East Palo Alto Kids Foundation’s “unwavering commitment to uplifting the community” through its grant program to teachers. A sincere “thank you” to the EPA Community Archive program for this public recognition. The importance of helping teachers and students in East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park is central to EPAK’s mission.

Thank you to all our EPAK supporters!

One of these educators, a recipient of an EPAK grant in 2024-25, spoke at EPAK’s April “Meet the Teachers” event at Bloomhouse in East Palo Alto.

Becky Z. inspires students to read at EPACS as a volunteer librarian (pictured above). Thanks to her, the K-8 students at East Palo Alto Charter School have access to books on their campus, including a new selection of Spanish language books. She spoke passionately about her search for “just the right books” for students. Becky reaffirmed her gratitude for her EPAK grants which allow her to purchase books for a wide variety of student interests. Becky wrote recently, “With the grant money we have really been able to upgrade the quality and quantity of books which has led to increased use of the library by both staff and students.”

Fourth grade teacher Misa Y., shown here with below counselor Michelle G. from EPACS, purchased additional classroom books and started a book club to encourage students to transition to longer chapter books. This EPAK supported mission resulted in a colorful student “thank you” poster brought to Bloomhouse.

East Palo Alto Kids Foundation thanks, in turn, our supporters who contributed to more than 400 teacher grants for hard-working educators this school year!