Nearly $10,000 Awarded to 10 Students Clubs for 2025-26 School Year
For the 2025-26 school year, the SF Ed Fund awarded approximately $10,000 in Awesome Fund grants to 10 student-led projects across four Priority high schools: Balboa, John O’Connell, Mission, and Thurgood Marshall. These grants support a wide range of initiatives, including Black Student Union programs, peer mentoring, school beautification, culinary projects, and community engagement events. Each project received up to $1,000 to enhance student sense of belonging, increase attendance, and provide meaningful educational experiences. Collectively, the programs will reach hundreds of students, offering opportunities for leadership, mentorship, cultural celebration, and academic and social growth, with success measured through attendance, participation, surveys, and reflections from students and staff.
Below is the full list of this year’s grant recipients. Congratulations to all the students and advisors who received grant funding – best of luck bringing your projects to life!
Asian Balboa Culture Club (ABCC) – Nikolas C. received funding to support the Asian Balboa Culture Club at Balboa High School, a student-led group that celebrates the diversity of Asian cultures and fosters a welcoming space for all students to learn, connect, and build community. Guided by faculty advisor Vivian Jeung, the grant will fund monthly meetings featuring cultural foods, hands-on activities, and traditional crafts, as well as a school-wide multicultural event, “Culture Collide,” co-hosted with other cultural clubs. Students will showcase Asian traditions through cooking, storytelling, games, and interactive booths designed to spark curiosity and pride. The project aims to strengthen belonging for the school’s large Asian student population while inviting the entire community to engage with and appreciate Asian cultures.
Balboa Black Student Union – “Black in the Bay: A Historic Journey” – Kira G. received funding to lead a powerful learning experience for Balboa High School’s Black Student Union, a student-led space dedicated to belonging, empowerment, and cultural pride. With support from faculty advisor Eileen Young, the grant will fund a museum field trip series exploring Black history and activism across the Bay Area, including visits to the Oakland Museum of California’s Black Power exhibit and the Black Panther Party Museum. Funds will cover transportation, admission, and lunch at a Black-owned restaurant, ensuring all students can participate. The project is designed to strengthen attendance, deepen friendships, and foster pride through shared learning outside the classroom. Students will reflect on their experience through pre- and post-trip surveys to measure shifts in engagement, connection, and sense of belonging.
Balboa Culinary Club – Coy C. received funding to support the Culinary Club at Balboa High School, where 40-50 students participate in hands-on cooking lessons that build real-world skills and strengthen community. With guidance from faculty advisor Maurice Creegan, the grant will fund essential tools, fresh ingredients, and teaching materials so students can learn core techniques such as knife skills, plating, sanitation, and heat control while exploring global cuisines and nutrition. In partnership with the after-school program, the club will host weekly sessions, cultural cooking workshops, and a culminating showcase where students present their own dishes. Success will be measured through attendance, skill demonstrations, student leadership in the kitchen, and reflections documenting growth in confidence, teamwork, and healthy cooking habits.
John O’Connell After-School Community Club – Angel H. and Guadalupe R. received funding to support the OC After-School Community Club at John O’Connell High School, a vital after-school program that provides Mission District youth with a safe, welcoming, and engaging space once the school day ends. With guidance from faculty advisor Christina Lopez, the club offers homework help in both English and Spanish, board games, enrichment activities, and daily opportunities for students from all grade levels to connect with peers and caring adults. The grant will fund educational supplies, games, and healthy snacks – resources that help make the space vibrant, supportive, and fun for the 40 students who attend regularly. Throughout the school year, the club will host weekly activities, peer mentoring, and community-building events, culminating in a spring showcase led by students. Success will be measured through attendance, surveys, and regular check-ins to track increases in engagement, belonging, and academic confidence.
John O’Connell Black Student Union – “Mind, Body, and Soul: A Mental Health Day for Youth” – Shermar H. received funding to host a schoolwide Mental Health Day during Black History Month, designed to give students – especially Black students attending a predominantly Latinx school – a meaningful space to rest, heal, and recharge. Guided by faculty advisor Shakila King, the BSU aims to create a day of intentional reflection that reduces stigma around mental health and equips students with practical wellness strategies. The event will feature journaling, aromatherapy, community-building activities, and a special extended break or early-dismissal format to relieve academic pressure. Grant funds will cover supplies for wellness stations and food to help create a warm, supportive atmosphere for the 180 students expected to participate. Success will be measured through surveys, staff feedback, and engagement across activity stations, with the goal of strengthening belonging, improving well-being, and encouraging healthier coping tools students can continue using long after the event.
Mission High Black Student Union – “Black Excellence / BSU Leadership and Community Events” – Kemeri E. received funding to support Mission High School’s Black Excellence/Black Student Union, a student-led community dedicated to celebrating Black identity, culture, and leadership. With guidance from faculty advisor and Principal Valerie Forero, the BSU will host a series of cultural, academic, and community-building events throughout the year, including the annual Black Excellence Dinner, student leadership workshops, and service projects that uplift and empower Black scholars. Grant funds will provide supplies, decorations, refreshments, and incentives that help create inclusive, joyful spaces where students feel seen, valued, and motivated. Nearly 100 students will participate in activities that strengthen belonging, build confidence, and promote academic success. Success will be measured through attendance data, surveys, and student feedback documenting increased pride, engagement, and connection within Mission High’s Black student community.
Mission High Rise & Shine Club – “The Uplift Project” – Camille N. received funding to support The Uplift Project, a peer mentoring and school beautification initiative that pairs 12th-grade student leaders with 9th-10th graders for tutoring, academic support, and community service. With guidance from faculty advisor Sophia Argueta, seniors provide weekly mentorship in subjects like math and Spanish while also organizing campus clean-up days, mural painting, and other projects that strengthen school pride. Grant funds will supply snacks for tutoring sessions, materials for beautification projects, and small celebrations to recognize student engagement and growth. The program will reach 45 students and aims to boost belonging, improve grades, and increase attendance through consistent mentorship, positive relationships, and a more vibrant school environment. Success will be measured through attendance and grade data, surveys, focus groups, and participation at tutoring sessions and community service events.
Thurgood Marshall High School Black Student Union – “Black Excellence: Planning for Life After High School” – Kourtney P. received funding to support the Black Student Union’s “Black Excellence” project, designed to empower African American students to plan for post-high school success while strengthening their sense of belonging. With guidance from faculty advisor Razan Williams and in partnership with SF Achievers, 100% College Prep, the Justice and Diversity Center of SF, and JCYC, the event will include career and college readiness workshops, mentorship, transcript reviews, and networking opportunities with Black professionals and college students. Grant funds will cover event logistics, custom t-shirts, participant lunches, and appreciation gifts for speakers. The program will reach 50 students across all grade levels and aims to increase student confidence, engagement, and belonging while providing concrete tools and connections for future academic and career success. Success will be measured through surveys, focus groups, BSU check-ins, and follow-up tracking with case managers.
Thurgood Marshall High School GSA Club – “GSA Club Swag & Field Trip” – Annika N. received funding to support the Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Club’s “GSA Club Swag & Field Trip” project, which provides students with ways to express their LGBTQ+ identities and learn about queer history in San Francisco. With guidance from faculty advisor Michael Friedman, the club will order t-shirts featuring the club’s logo to affirm student identities and show allyship, and also fund a Spring 2026 field trip to the Castro for an educational and engaging experience. The program will reach 32 students across all grade levels and aims to strengthen belonging, affirm LGBTQ+ identities, and build a supportive community. Success will be measured through student check-ins, reflections on the field trip, and observation of student engagement and peer support on campus.
Thurgood Marshall High School La Raza Club – “Community Strong” – Maria C. received funding to support the La Raza Club’s “Community Strong” project, which aims to strengthen student attendance, sense of belonging, and family engagement through cultural celebration, safety initiatives, and immigration education. With guidance from faculty advisor Daniela Funes, the club will host workshops on Know Your Rights in partnership with organizations such as KIND, SFILEN, and CARECEN, organize family evenings, provide safe routes for students traveling to and from school, and continue cultural celebrations like Hispanic Heritage Month and Dia de Los Muertos. The project will reach 50+ students across all grade levels and aims to increase attendance, empower students and families, and build leadership skills among La Raza members. Success will be measured through attendance data, family participation in presentations, and surveys capturing student and community engagement.
