About Us

About Our Foundation

Although we work closely with the San Juan Unified School district and its schools, we are an independent, 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that provides grants directly to San Juan Unified’s educators. Additionally, the Foundation facilitates a multitude of scholarships programs for graduating seniors across the district. See our portfolio here.

HISTORY

The San Juan Education Foundation has undergone significant transformations since its inception in 1991. Originally focused on reducing student costs related to computer technology, it later broadened its mission to support a wider range of educational needs.

·       1991: Founded as the San Juan Foundation, initially focused on reducing students’ costs related to computer technology.

·       2006: Resurrected with a new focus on science, technology, and the arts (STARS) governed by an all-volunteer board of directors made up of district leadership, alumni, and parents.

·       2007: Renamed as the San Juan Education Foundation.

·       2006: Launched the Direct-to-Teacher Grant Program which has since funded over $800,000 to support innovative educational projects.

·       2009: Hosted its first annual fundraising event, “An Evening with the Stars,” which honors esteemed San Juan Unified alumni.

·       2015: Offered the opportunity to manage its first scholarship program, the Cal Worthington Memorial Scholarship Fund.

·       2021: Hired its first full-time Executive Director to enhance fundraising efforts, manage grant and scholarship programs, and ensure organizational health.

·       2022: Became the beneficiary of the Fair Oaks Chicken Run, marking another milestone in community support.

·       2023: Received its largest contribution ever, totaling $135,000, aimed at advancing arts education within the San Juan Unified community.

Today, the Foundation continues its mission by raising funds to deliver approximately $50,000 annually in grants to teachers and schools. It also manages a portfolio of fourteen scholarship funds, offering financial assistance ranging from $500 to $2,000 to nearly 50 San Juan Unified seniors each May.

About the San Juan Unified School District

Created in 1960 with the merger of six school districts, San Juan Unified School District has a rich tradition of helping students find academic success and achievement. San Juan Unified serves more than 40,000 preschool, TK-12 and adult learners at 64 schools and employs more than 5,000 professionals.

This diverse school district serves the Eastern Sacramento County communities of

~ Arden-Arcade ~ Carmichael ~ Citrus Heights ~ Fair Oaks ~ Gold River ~ Orangevale ~