Every year the Schools Fund both receives and distributes dedicated funds to support an array of unique programs. Funding—which averages around $200,000 a year—comes from within and outside our community, from multiple or single sources, and for specific or broadly-defined purposes. Here are just a few examples of dedicated funds:

Bayer HealthCare Science Enrichment

Supports classroom grants to K-8 teachers, trips to Lawrence Berkeley National Lab for every Berkeley 5th grader, and elementary and middle school science fairs.

Hamrick Fund

This fund was established by a donor to support arts programming in the schools. In recent years, it has funded the Berkeley Rep Story Builders program in  3rd grade classrooms.

Early Literacy Intervention

Focuses on supporting District-wide teacher professional development and strategic interventions for struggling readers.

BUSD Music Districtwide

Supports a variety of activities and needs across BUSD, including the Music in the Schools program of the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra. There’s also a specific fund that provides scholarships for private music lessons for middle school students. Students that have skill and interest, and qualify as low-income by the District, are identified by District music teachers to receive private lessons to strengthen their musical education and expand opportunity. Currently 10-15 students a year are awarded private music lessons. Donations can be made to the Boatwright/Weinstein Fund.

Homeless Student Support

3.0% of Berkeley public school students are homeless this school year. Transient housing affects students’ physical, academic, and social well-being. The Homeless Support Fund provides assistance to help normalize these students’ school experiences.