WHO WE ARE

Think of your own experience with your children. What do you do when they need physical or mental health support, have a growing interest in a sport, or need extra assistance in a specific area? Many of us have the resources to seek specialized help and enrichment. However, families at RCEF-funded schools often work multiple jobs and need more financial resources for these opportunities.

RCEF partners with schools to drive youth development and build opportunities together. We create access in several ways:

• Logistical Access: Placing opportunities at schools to eliminate transportation needs.

• Linguistic Access: Supporting monolingual speakers of other languages.

• Economic Access: Offering low-cost academic, social-emotional, and enrichment programs.

RCEF bridges the gap between state funding and actual student needs, ensuring all students have access to essential resources and opportunities. By investing in our students, we strengthen the entire Redwood City community.

While your school’s Parent-Teacher Organizations/Associations (PTOs/PTAs) or supports specific programs and needs within your school, RCEF addresses broader district-wide challenges and inequities.

Many RCSD schools have strong PTO/PTAs, which build strong relationships between parents and teachers, increase parent involvement, and fundraise to support various school programs, including field trips, school supplies, and extracurricular activities. Thus, these organizations enhance the overall educational experience for students.

The schools RCEF supports—Hoover, Garfield, and Taft—lack PTO/PTAs, leading to unequal financial resources. Donating to RCEF ensures that each school can provide quality education and necessary resources.

Funds are distributed based on a thorough assessment of needs across the district to ensure equitable support.

The Thriving Schools Fund funds schools with higher needs and no Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs) so that under-resourced schools can become thriving. The Bridging the Gap Grants support underserved students in all RCSD schools, ensuring they have equal opportunities and access to resources as their peers. To increase the academic performance of students, our focus areas include:

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

• Literacy & Math Support

• Mental Health Services & Wellness

• Enrichment

• Essential Needs

• Family Partnerships

All our programs target under-resourced students and communities, providing the necessary support to overcome barriers and ensure every child has access to a quality education.