The Ed Fund received nearly 50 applications for the 2024-25 Awesome Fund student club grants. After a rigorous review process with support from dozens of community members, we are proud to announce that we have awarded $11,430 in Awesome Fund grants to 12 school clubs across all six eligible SFUSD high schools: Balboa, Burton, John O’Connell, June Jordan, Mission, and Thurgood Marshall.
The Awesome Fund provides financial support for student-led projects at priority high schools that help enhance student sense of belonging, increase student attendance, and provide students with a more meaningful educational experience. Students from eligible schools can apply for a grant of up to $1,000 to support their club.
Below please find a complete list of the clubs who have been awarded funding this school year. Congratulations to all of the recipients and best of luck with your projects!
Balboa High School
Hair and Makeup Club – Jordan L. and the Hair and Makeup Club at Balboa High School received $885 to support their mission of introducing students to careers in the cosmetology field. The grant will fund hands-on projects, including learning hairstyling and makeup techniques, practicing updos for events, temporary hair dye application, and nail styling. The club aims to inspire students who may not pursue traditional college paths by showcasing viable career opportunities in cosmetology. Success will be measured by student attendance, and students’ ability to complete styles on themselves or others and their active participation in club activities.
Brain Food Society: Majid R. received $950 to support the Brain Food Society (BFS) at Balboa High School where they will implement BFS AutoLab, a hands-on STEM project inspired by Princeton University’s CAR Lab. Guided by faculty advisor Mousa Rebouh, the club will design and build three microcontroller-powered autonomous vehicles equipped with sensors and unique functionalities such as voice commands and object detection. The project aims to enhance student skills in robotics, engineering, and teamwork while increasing STEM engagement among students who come from low-income backgrounds. Success will be measured by the completion of functional vehicles, skill development among club members, and community interest generated through a public exhibition at the school.
Cooking Club – Aeson Y. received $1,000 to support the Cooking Club at Balboa High School, where the club will provide students with the opportunity to learn basic cooking skills. Guided by faculty advisor Vivian Jeung, the project aims to engage students, especially those struggling academically, by offering a hands-on, rewarding experience through cooking classes. The club will host classes in the school library during Flex periods for students who are interested in culinary arts. Success will be measured by student attendance, participation, and the ability to cook 3-4 recipes by the end of the 15-week program, with the goal of fostering continued interest in cooking beyond the class.
LionDanceMe – Camille H. received $1,000 to support LionDanceME at Balboa High School, where the club will invest in new practice equipment, including drums and cymbals, to enhance their performances during the holiday season, Lunar New Year celebrations, and school events like rallies and cultural fairs. Under the guidance of faculty advisor Wendy Liu, the club aims to foster teamwork, discipline, and cultural appreciation through the traditional Chinese art of lion dance. Success will be measured by students’ technical progress, with monthly check-ins tracking their development, and the project is expected to impact over 200 students in the school community.
Burton High School
Sprout – Elena B. received $1,000 to support the Sprout Club at Burton High School, which educates students on Bay Area public health issues through volunteering, community outreach, and fundraising. Guided by faculty advisor Naveena Bontha, the grant will fund transportation for field trips, community initiatives like beach cleanups and food drives, and independent fundraising efforts such as selling merchandise and snacks. Proceeds from these efforts will support public health organizations and expand awareness of critical issues.
Burton LionDanceMe – Amanda C. received $995 to support Burton LionDanceMe, where the club will provide an engaging environment for students to learn and progress in Lion Dance. Alongside faculty advisor Jan Ramirez, students will foster skills like teamwork, discipline, and responsibility while preparing for upcoming performances. Success will be measured by attendance, student achievements in future performances and their growth within the club. The project is expected to impact over 200 students, with the possibility of inspiring members to achieve significant accomplishments, like alumna Jayde Wong, who won the title of Western Lion King at the Genting World Lion Dance Competition.
Color Guard Club – Yo Yo L. and the Color Guard Club at Burton High School were awarded $1,000 to replace their outdated and damaged flags and purchase uniforms for their performances. As part of the school’s music program, this entirely student-led club performs alongside the band at rallies, football games, and parades. By providing proper uniforms and equipment, the grant will ensure that members feel confident and polished during performances, enhancing their experience and participation in the music community. Success will be measured through club check-ins before and after performances, focusing on member confidence, performance improvement, and team morale.
John O’Connell High School
Associated Student Body (ASB) – Angelina C. received $600 to support O’Connell’s ASB club. They will host monthly movie nights in the school library, fostering community and offering students a relaxing space. With guidance from faculty advisor David Benson, the project aims to develop teamwork and communication skills among club members while providing a fun, stress-free experience complete with snacks and drinks.
June Jordan School for Equity
Black Student Union – Anthony F. received $1,000 to support the Black Student Union (BSU) at June Jordan School for Equity in hosting a school-wide assembly and lunch workshops during Black History Month. Guided by faculty advisor Crystal Proctor, the events aim to celebrate and educate the school community about Black culture, history, and excellence. The project seeks to engage 180 students, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Black heritage while encouraging more students to join BSU. Success will be assessed through student surveys and check-ins, measuring participation, impact, and growth in club membership.
Mission High School
Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA): Samira K. received $1,000 to support the Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) at Mission High School, a club fostering a safe space for students to ask questions, learn, and build community. With support from faculty advisor Miriam Shafer, the grant will fund three initiatives: arts-focused projects during weekly meetings, a spring field trip exploring LGBTQ+ history on a walking tour of the Castro, and healthy snacks and occasional cooking activities to promote well-being. Success will be measured through regular club check-ins, with the goal of creating a supportive, tight-knit community where members feel safe and connected. This is the second year the Ed Fund has funded Mission High’s GSA.
Thurgood Marshall High School
La Raza: Glenda P. received $1,000 to support La Raza Club at Thurgood Marshall High School, where they aim to strengthen their community of Latin students through cultural promotion and collaboration. This is the third year in the row the Ed Fund is proudly supporting this group. Alongside faculty advisor Daniela Funes, the club will organize activities such as cultural excursions to a theme park or outdoor venue, and foster unity among La Raza clubs across the district. They will also continue participating in school-wide events like Dia de Los Muertos and Hispanic Heritage Month assemblies. Success will be measured by attendance, member participation, feedback shared during weekly meetings, and strengthened leadership within the club.
Going Places! Travel Club – Briseyler G. received $1,000 to support the Going Places! Travel Club at Thurgood Marshall High School in planning a March 2025 trip to Monterey, CA. Guided by faculty advisor Nicole Hsu, the funds will cover a kayaking activity in Monterey Bay and a group lunch. With most of the club’s budget allocated to hotel accommodations, this grant enables the club’s 15 members, including 14 newcomer students, to experience something new while fostering teamwork and outdoor skills. The trip aims to strengthen relationships within the club, encourage exploration, and inspire confidence to plan future adventures. Success will be measured through personal reflections, growth in travel planning and outdoor skills, and increased community engagement.
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Learn more about the Awesome Fund student grant here.
