Albany Education Foundation Prepares for a New School Year

As a new school year begins in Albany, the (AEF) is hard at work preparing for another year of fund raising and support for teachers and students.

The Albany Education Foundation is an independent community based non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining the quality of Albany’s public schools.  Our purpose is to provide additional resources for programs by funding grants which serve individual classroom teachers, specialties, entire schools, and district – wide programs.  AEF grants support every curriculum area from art to physics and every grade level from the Children’s Center to 12th grade.  Since 1995, AEF has raised and donated over $586,000 to Albany Schools.

Recognizing the personal investment teachers put into their classrooms, each September AEF holds a New Teacher Reception.  Each new teacher is personally introduced and welcomed as individual grants are presented to help them set up their classroom.

Field trips are a memorable and significant part of every student’s education and development. Early in the fall grants are awarded to teachers for both day and overnight trips.  Students have visited the Oakland Museum, Chabot Space and Science Center, Davies Symphony Hall, Oakland A’s games, Axis Dance Company and Lawrence Hall of Science among other places.  Overnight trips include visits to Point Bointa, Alice Eastwood Group Camp in Marin County, and Slide Ranch. Many of the grants include transportation as well as admission.  This year field trips will be funded from donations made in memory of AEF founder, Sally Outis.

One of the most exciting events for AEF Board members is the awarding of the mini grants which occurs shortly before the winter recess.  Accompanied by the School Principal, board liaisons to each site have the pleasure of visiting classrooms and presenting the teacher and students with a check for materials, programs, or events to enrich their educational experience. Historically grants have included visits to the schools from the Oakland Zoomobile and the Kids for the Bay to sit balls, study carrels, basketballs, mural projects at both and . Last year the adaptive aquatics program held at El Cerrito Pool was funded by an AEF mini grant, an example of a multiple site mini grant. 

When the Albany High School Jazz Band was selected to perform at Lincoln Center in New York City, AEF awarded a Sally Outis Block Grant to help defray expenses.  Last year’s AHS theater production, Urine Town, was also awarded a block grant and AEF matched additional donations to enable the production to go on. The Senior Awards Ceremony at Albany High School is also funded by a Sally Outis Block Grant. Kindergarteners enjoy the comfort of rocking chairs funded through the Dot and Jim Walker Fund Grants

AEF is celebrating 16 years of support to the Albany Schools and the children of Albany since its founding in 1995 by Sally Outis and a group of very dedicated volunteers. Community support is vital to the success of AEF and comes in many forms.  Donations are accepted through our web site, www.albanyeducation.org using either a credit card or PayPal.  On the first Monday of each month, generously including lunch and take out to AEF.  This has developed into one of our most popular fund raisers - a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a great meal while supporting the schools.

Each December finds us at Barnes and Noble in the El Cerrito Plaza .  A portion of books and gifts purchased that day goes to AEF.  School librarians also prepare wish lists of books which you may purchase and donate directly to the school library

The has become a February tradition in Albany.  This fund raising event, cosponsored by the Albany Community Foundation, will be held on February 11, 2012. This delightful evening which includes music, wonderful chocolate and other treats along with wine and craft beers. A silent auction is the primary fund raiser for AEF. 

is scheduled for April 29, 2012 at the Albany Community Center.  Please join us at this FREE event for ice cream, cookies, and outstanding performances by school music groups. 

Your tax-deductible donation ensures that the Albany Education Foundation’s support for Albany schools will continue.  AEF is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation., Tax ID# 94-3229679.  All donations are tax deductible to the extent permissible under the law.

Please contact us at info@albanyeducation.org or 527-8476 to discuss employer matching grants, United Way contributions, bequests, trusts, and gifts of property, to become a business sponsor or for more information about the AEF.  You are also welcome to attend our board meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 the Alameda, Berkeley. We appreciate your continuing support in our efforts to provide additional resources for the teachers and students of the Albany Schools.