Pasadena Educational Foundation Supports PUSD
Local Education Foundations (LEFs) have been around for decades, operating on the proven notion that parent and community involvement is critical to improving student achievement and school performance. Today, over 600 LEFs are working to support public schools in California.

The Pasadena Educational Foundation has been supporting public education since 1971, working to build excellence in the public schools of Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre through operating and supporting enriching and creative educational opportunities. Here are just some of the PEF offerings you may not have known about:

  • Summer Enrichment Program
  • My Masterpieces
  • Principal for a Day
  • Teacher Grant Program
  • Robotics (click on inset image)
  • App Academy
  • 3-D Printers in PUSD Classrooms
  • College and Career Pathways
  • Muir Ranch
The recent Principal for a Day event gave 30 community members and leaders the opportunity to serve at one of the PUSD schools, and the excitement and energy was palpable at the luncheon following. The "Principals" shared how they engaged in unique and innovative programs and enjoyed interacting with teachers, students and parents. It opened many eyes to the really amazing things happening in PUSD schools.

At the luncheon, PUSD Board of Education President Roy Boulghourjian characterized the Pasadena Educational Foundation as "the backbone of the PUSD."

Click here to learn more and to support PEF's efforts to help children in Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre succeed in school and in life.
The Vision | The children of Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre all grow up in a safe, stable,
                        and supportive environment that prepares them for success in school and in life.
District Awarded $14.5 Million Grant
The Pasadena Unified School District has been awarded a $14.5 million Magnet School Assistance Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support programs that promote diversity and increase student achievement at three schools: Altadena Elementary, Washington STEAM Magnet, and John Muir High School. The five-year grant, which was secured by the Pasadena Educational Foundation, supports programs that draw diverse students from throughout the community and expands public school choices for parents.

The new federal grant funds will enable each of the schools to establish an innovative educational program with a thematic focus. Altadena Elementary will focus on visual and performing arts and serve as a feeder to Eliot Arts Magnet Academy, that has seen increased student achievement, attendance, and enrollment since becoming a magnet school. Washington STEAM Magnet, a middle school, will add Spanish dual language immersion classes to its STEAM-themed program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). John Muir High School will focus on strengthening each of the three academy offerings (Engineering and Environmental Science; Arts, Media and Entertainment; and Business and Entrepreneurship) with state-of-the-art equipment and training. Additionally, the school will strengthen and expand its Early College offerings in partnership with Pasadena City College.
Reading Partners Rocks
Reading Partners recently shared the results of their work during the 2016-17 school year. Thanks to the support of the school district and countless community members who generously donated their time to working with students, they saw some outstanding outcomes! 

  • Reading Partners served 343 students across 7 PUSD elementary schools
  • With the help of nearly 400 volunteers, Reading Partners students received 12,020 hours of one-on-one tutoring
  • 92% of students met their end of year literacy goals
  • 96% of the program's K-2nd grade students achieved the foundational skills necessary to read at grade level

Here are four ways you can be part of the solution, with Reading Partners:
  1. Click here to get information about becoming a reading tutor
  2. Click here to join Reading Partners' Giving Tree Club
  3. Click here to get on the e-mailing list
  4. Save the date for the May 24th Read to Succeed breakfast celebration (and learn more if you are on the mailing list!)
If anyone knows the power of reading, it's Jane McCullough. As a former college professor, Jane saw first-hand the challenges that students faced when struggling with reading. Jane is a Reading Partners tutor at Madison Elementary School and spends her time working one-on-one with a 3rd grade student, helping her to improve her reading skills and encouraging a love of reading.

Jane joined Reading Partners through a partner of Collaborate PASadena, Pasadena Village. Her dedication to providing a quality experience for her student and sharing her experience with others has made her an incredible partner!
"Working with and getting to know the students at Reading Partners is  consistently a highlight of my week, especially as I watch their reading improve along with their confidence," shared Jane.
Launch a Big Success!
By 2025, Pasadena will be known as an Early Learning City. All children ages 0 to 5 will thrive in their physical, emotional, cognitive and social well-being and their ability to learn when they enter school. A launch event held at Brookside Park in Pasadena on September 23 was a festive and fitting tribute to young children and their families. A wonderful time was had by all! Click here to view photos of the event and stay tuned to learn more about what will happen next.
Neighborhood Summit Draws an Energetic Crowd
On September 18, Collaborate PASadena convened a group of 80 community members around the theme of " Celebrating and Bridging Our Communities." Participants shared best practices and ideas at 8 round table discussions on topics including arts in neighborhoods, surveying your neighbors, being inclusive, communicating in the 21st century and more. Click here to download a summary of the event.
News and Events
Click here to find the latest news and events on the Collaborate PASadena website! We happily post partner news and events on our site and on our Facebook page. Submit to elizabeth@collpas.org.
Partner Praise
Grounded in its social justice heritage, Pacific Oaks College prepares students to be culturally intelligent agents of change serving diverse communities in the fields of human development, education, and related family studies. Click here to learn more about Pacific Oaks.
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v. to make stronger; enlarge; extend