Strategic Initiatives
Our Multi-Year Commitments to the Highest Priorities for Students
The majority of Spark funds are channeled to our three Focus Areas by investing in multi-year Strategic Initiatives that are aligned with SFUSD's highest priority student outcome initiatives.
Spark’s formal partnership with the school district allows it unique access to identify the best opportunities within SFUSD’s highest priorities where philanthropic dollars can play the role of a catalyst, investing the “final 2%”, igniting the greatest change and impact for teaching, learning, and overall student success.
Learn more about our current Strategic Initiatives below.
Advancing Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Ready, set, Read!
A 3-year, $5 million initiative investing to dramatically improving literacy proficiency in SFUSD by providing teachers the evidence-based tools and robust support to maximize teaching and learning success in the classroom.
Path to math
Augmenting the SFUSD roll out of a new math curriculum for grades K-8 to increase 8th grade math proficiency by 23% by 2027.
Career and college readiness - Preparing and Inspiring our Future Workforce
Our Career and College Readiness initiative will enable SFUSD to more effectively deliver high-quality, industry-themed pathways as part of the fabric of the high school experience, and as a bridge between middle school and post-secondary success.
Mission Bay Hub
The Mission Bay Hub is an advanced bridge into Health, Life Sciences, and other STEM-aligned fields, with Mission Bay serving as the ultimate classroom. Students are supported as agents of change, taking on real world challenges.
“Systems change requires committed action and resources applied over time. ”
Students from AAALI’s Black Star Rising program
Uplifting Equity
African american achievement and leadership initiative (AAALI)
AAALI’s core purpose is to promote the success of African American students and families by support academic and social-emotional learning, elevating effective practices and strategies, and cultivating leaders in the work of deconstructing systemic barriers to African American achievement.
Each and Every child by name
Hear from SFUSD teachers from May 2024 about the outstanding success in raising literacy proficiency in their kindergarten classrooms.
Serving the Whole Child
Every day counts
Every Day Counts augments critical SFUSD programs to reduce chronic absenteeism and cultivate a sense of belonging in all SFUSD students.
Mental Health Initiative
The DCYF-SFUSD Middle School Beacon Centers Mental Health Initiative provides culturally-relevant mental health and wellness services for thousands of middle school students through comprehensive health education and direct clinical services.
