Programs

"Working together, we are limited only by our imagination." - Dr. Marcus A. Foster

Family University 2007-2008

The mission of the Marcus Foster Education Fund is to develop relationships and mobilize resources that create opportunities for all children in the Oakland public schools to achieve excellence.

Established in 1973 by the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) Superintendent for whom the organization was later named, Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute (now named the Marcus Foster Education Fund) has worked for 35 years to carry out Dr. Foster's vision that urban education can be transformed only when the community actively participates. The Fund has a record of service to a multicultural community with a broad range of educational needs.

Our community outreach programs include:

Fund For Teachers. The Marcus Foster Education Fund has partnered with Houston-based Fund For Teachers (FFT) since the 2005-06 school year to offer Oakland Public School teachers access to one of the most cutting-edge professional development opportunities available to those in the education profession. Fund For Teachers grants enable teachers to select the professional development experience that will benefit their practice most, because teachers know best what they need in order to excel at their jobs...

College Scholarships. The Marcus Foster Education Fund is pleased to announce the offering of the 2009 College Scholarship Program. The Marcus Foster Education Fund is one of the largest sources of scholarships for students of Oakland Public Schools (OPS). Last year we were privileged to present over 70 scholarships to students in the Class of 2008. Scholarships range from 1,000—15,000 per student. Have a look at Uniting Potential for Higher Learning with Experience (UpHigh), to learn of the Fund's first effort to match the winners of the 2009 Marcus Foster/College Access Foundation Scholarship with mentors for all four years of college. This program attempts to remove two of the largest barriers to college success for low-income first-generation students by alleviating financial burdens, and providing an informed contact as a guide through the many hurdles of college.

Move Further Student Grants. The goal of Move Further Student Grants is to foster the personal development and resiliency of young people by providing them opportunities to develop new skills and broaden their life experiences by exploring the world around them. Students are encouraged to identify activities including, but not limited to performing and visual arts, leadership development, physical education, tutoring, foreign languages, and pre-college exploration. Students are encouraged to seek activities that are new or unique to their everyday life experiences.

Family University. In collaboration with the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) and a number of community-based organizations, MFEF provides educational opportunities that help parents support their children's academic success and social well-being at school and neighborhood centers throughout Oakland. This includes parenting support offered to parents of children ages 0-5 at Brookfield and Arroyo Viejo Child Development Centers in East Oakland.

Oakland Technology Exchange-West (OTX-W). The Fund's OTX-West project, provides home and classroom computer systems, technical support, and low-cost Internet access to high school and middle school students attending Oakland public schools. They also provide low cost computers to Oakland schools and non-profits. These high-quality, restored computers provide students, parents, and teachers an invaluable resource to promote lifelong learning, while diverting equipment from landfill. To date, they have resfurbished and placed over 30,000 computers in the Oakland community.

Fiscal Responsibility. Marcus Foster Education Fund serves as the fiscal sponsor of several projects that work in tandem with Oakland public schools to provide support and development for students, teachers, and families.

Distinguished Educator, Alumnus, and Partner Awards. We recognize the leaders in the Oakland public schools who are role models for today's students and educators. These awards encourage excellence and innovation as well as focus the community's attention on OPS champions.