edUCate!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” —Margaret Mead

EdUCate! University City Foundation for Public Schools—A History:

Founded by a group of parents, educators, and business people from the University City Community. Incorporated and recognized by the IRS and State of California as a 501c3 Nonprofit Foundation in 1993 {Federal Tax I.D.33-0539815}

Created as a single foundation for all five schools in the University City cluster: Curie, Doyle, Spreckels Elementary, Standley Middle School and University City High School. This was accomplished to facilitate communication among the schools, avoid duplication of fundraising activities, and enhance the efficiency of raising and using funds.

The foundation was created with and has continued to solicit specific and comprehensive input from the entire educational community (parents, teachers, administrators, business people).

The foundation was created to benefit all students who attend University City schools, celebrating and capitalizing on the diversity of culture, talent, and ability in our educational community.

The governing board is all-volunteer and drawn from the entire community.

Strategic planning occurs formally approximately every five years, but is an ongoing process. The most recent plan (designed with stakeholder input) emphasizes:

Increasing collaborative school projects
Devising themes for grants
Enhancing our fundraising opportunities with better branding
Improving our website and our database for communication and fundraising convenience

The signature fundraiser for EdUCate! since its inception is the Annual Taste of the Triangle (food provided by area restaurants, venue provided by area hotels-in particular the San Diego Marriott La Jolla, and a large silent auction). Other fundraising opportunities include: participating in the annual Friendraiser, direct donations, corporate sponsorships, corporate matching funds, Dollar a Day and Honor-a-Teacher programs.

In its first 15 years of existence, the foundation has provided well over $850,000 to the five schools by way of teacher/staff written grant requests, scholarships, designated donations, and teacher wish lists.