A request that Sacramento Executive publicize a worthy new local foundation with a mission to provide additional funds to ensure K-8 students get superior programs in Science, Technology and the Arts. If you can provide any funding or support, this seems like a great way to help stem the tide locally of what my esteemed husband calls the dumbing down of America.

Science, Technology & the ARtS (STARS) San Juan Education Foundation

An independent, non-profit community organization

Our Mission
Support and advance excellent education for all students in the San Juan Unified School District through a partnership with parents, educators, business and the community. STARS will mobilize funds from a variety of sources to benefit superior programs in science, technology and the arts.

Our Vision
Students in the San Juan Unified School District will receive an outstanding education in science, technology and the arts that will inspire a love of learning, help them to reach their intellectual potential and prepare them to lead in our quickly-changing global economy.

Our Foundation
STARS acts as a bridge linking our community with San Juan Schools. We realize that government funding alone is no longer enough for the high-quality education we all want for our children. We believe that strong public schools are the pillars of our community, and community investment in San Juan education benefits not only our students, but the community itself.

Although we work closely with the district and schools, we are a separate, volunteer-based charitable entity. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) corporation and all donations made to it are tax deductible. STARS is joining more than 500 public education foundations already in the state that are helping to maintain quality education in their communities

Who We Are
Our board is made up of leaders from the community, business and education with business expertise, knowledge of our community’s resources, dedication and the creativity necessary for a fresh approach to achieving our mission. The district superintendent and two school board trustees are non-voting members of the STARS board. Our board is committed to the highest level of financial stewardship as we use our resources for maximum benefit directly to the schools and students we serve.

Programs
STARS will assist the district in identifying, enhancing and funding superior programs in:
· Performing arts
· Visual arts
· Music
· Science
· Technology

Innovative Learning Grants
Starting this January, the Foundation’s Innovating Learning Grant Program will award up to $1,000 to each school for 2006/07 to enhance science, technology and/or the arts. More information will be coming soon.

STARS-Sponsored Programs
STARS will coordinate and fund specific enhancement programs in our focus areas for every K-12 San Juan school beginning in the 2007/08 school year. Candidates for STARS-sponsored programs will be evaluated this school year for implementation next year.

Please Contact Us
We’re just getting started and we’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions, ideas or concerns, please let us know.

Science, Technology & the ARtS
San Juan Education Foundation
P.O. Box 1247
Carmichael, CA 95609-1247

Message Line (916) 971-7103

Website (after October 2nd ) STARSsanjuan.org

E-mail Joy Wake, co-chair, at echopeak@comcast.net

We plan to invite them to the next Sacramento Executive event in January so you can learn more, but if they raise a certain amount of funds prior to December 31, 2006 there are matching funds available, so act soon. Check your companies matching program also - a good way to give more.

Gillian Parrillo
The Sacramento Executive