Our History

In 2004, a group of passionate parents, staff, and community members from Central Unified came together with a shared vision: to enrich the educational experience for every student. They founded the Foundation for Central Schools, and immediately got to work empowering teachers with grants for innovative classroom projects. Over the years, the Foundation has grown and evolved, always staying focused on supporting Central Unified students. They’ve established a scholarship program to help students achieve their dreams. They’ve provided warm jackets and sweaters, ensuring no student sits in a cold classroom. They’ve stocked clothing closets and distributed food, because every child deserves to feel secure and focused on their learning. They’ve even given grants for textbooks, because access to quality educational resources is a fundamental right. The Foundation has also been a proud supporter of district programs that ignite students’ passions, from History Day to the Young Authors’ Faire. And they’ve helped make once-in-a-lifetime opportunities a reality, like students performing on the legendary stage of Carnegie Hall. Through it all, the Foundation has raised nearly $1.5 million to support its mission. Today, they remain dedicated to advocating for community investment and partnerships that will provide high-quality educational experiences for every Central Unified student. Because when we come together, there’s no limit to what our students can achieve.