San Francisco (January 31, 2024) - The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and SFUSD’s non-profit organization, Spark* SF Public Schools, announced the release of its Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report, reporting a total of over $123 million invested into the district’s highest priority initiatives and programs since it was established in 2015.
Spark is the critical conduit to channel community, business and philanthropic contributions to a broad spectrum of district-led programs driving improved student outcomes. Since 2018, Spark has contributed $51.6 million into SFUSD priority, multi-year Strategic Initiatives. The recently released Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report showcases significant impact addressing learning, equity, technological access, innovation, educator talent, and wellness. A few highlights include:
- The establishment of new Wellness Centers at SFUSD middle schools expanding critical access to mental health services, in partnership with the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF)
- Creating conditions for Black student success in rigorous STEM courses through the Black Star Rising initiative with over 84% of dual enrollment students receiving a passing grade and 42% with an “A” letter grade in 2022-23
Since the Salesforce-SFUSD STEM Leadership Initiative began in 2013:
- SFUSD saw a 41% increase in Math attendance among middle schoolers after the partnership's 6th year
- Demonstrated a 3x increase in the number of students passing the AP Computer Science exam
- Increased equitable access to computer science - the number of female students taking computer science has almost doubled (up from 25% since 2014-15) and underrepresented students of color (African American, Latinx, and Native American) make up 35% (up from 8% since 2014-15)
- Established access to computer science courses to 100% of SFUSD students
“Spark’s impact is undeniable in its depth and breadth,” said SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne. “On behalf of our students and team at SFUSD, thank you to Spark* SF Public Schools’ community partners for their steadfast commitment to excellence in public education.”
“As we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, together, with our community, we are committed to strengthening Spark's role as a pillar of support for SFUSD’s highest priorities for student success,” said Ginny Fang, President of Spark* SF Public Schools. “Spark is not just an organization; it is a community united by the shared belief that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future.”
Read the Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report.
About SFUSD and Spark* SF Public Schools
Serving approximately 50,000 students across 119 schools, SFUSD’s mission is to provide every student the quality instruction and equitable support required to thrive in the 21st century. The district, along with its non-profit organization Spark* SF Public Schools, is committed to helping all students develop strong academic knowledge and skills, as well as the dispositions and behaviors to increase their curiosity and engagement, activate their full potential for learning, and prepare them for life, work, and study beyond their secondary school years.
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