EDUCATION

The Irene S. Scully Family Foundation invests in organizations that provide equitable, well-rounded learning opportunities to students so that they realize their full academic and personal potential.

 

Programs located in West Contra Costa and/or Alameda County that meet the needs of economically disadvantaged and marginalized K-12 youth will be considered eligible to apply. Programs that work with public-school youth who are the most at-risk for poor academic and/or social outcomes are of particular interest to the Foundation.

 

In partnership with our grantees, we aim to achieve the following outcomes:

 

Academic Proficiency

All students demonstrate depth of learning in academic courses and exhibit continuous gains at grade level. Every student develops the knowledge needed to be successful in the world community.

 

Literacy

All students have the ability to read and write; to identify, understand, and interpret information; and to express, create, and communicate ideas across a variety of social and cultural contexts.

 

Achievement Gap

The achievement gap between marginalized students and their more privileged counterparts closes as a result of equitable resources in every school. Students attend schools that provide culturally empowering curriculum that recognizes and respects their identities and the knowledge that they bring from their communities.

 

Teachers

Highly qualified and experienced teachers who are creative, insightful, and informative are accessible to all students. Teachers demonstrate to students how to think, rather than what to think, using culturally successful teaching practices.

 

Professional Development

Educators learn new skills, develop new insights into pedagogy and their own practice, and explore new and advanced understandings of content and resources through ongoing professional development opportunities. 

 

Curriculum

School curriculum, in all subjects, uses a variety of instructional strategies that are connected to different learning styles.  Curriculum is engaging and meaningful to all students.

 

Out-of-School Time/After-School Programs

Quality educational and enrichment opportunities that strengthen academic, leadership, and life skills are available for students during out-of-school time.

 

Positive Learning Environment

School communities and learning environments provide safe spaces for students, parents, and teachers.  Free from violence, crime, and harassment, students have the opportunity to develop self-awareness, emotional control, self-esteem, conflict resolution strategies, and teamwork-building skills.