Carlmont Academic Foundation

The Carlmont Academic Foundation (CAF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students and teachers at Carlmont High School. Established to bridge the gap between state and local funding, CAF plays a crucial role in enhancing the educational environment for students in the school.

Mission and Activities

CAF focuses on improving academic opportunities by providing essential resources such as funding for smaller class sizes, additional class periods, and cross-departmental collaboration projects. The foundation also supports creative programs including music, arts, and journalism.

Furthermore, CAF invests in teacher training and essential classroom supplies to ensure students have the best possible educational experience. It also supports programs that prepare students for college and career, including after-school tutoring and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) initiatives.

CAF's efforts extend to mental health and wellness programs, recognizing the importance of holistic support for students. By funding additional counselors and career counseling services, CAF ensures that students have access to comprehensive guidance as they prepare for life after high school.

Structure and Funding

CAF is managed by volunteer parents and community members who organize fundraising efforts to support the school's academic and extracurricular needs. Annual donations from families and local businesses are vital in sustaining CAF's programs.

The foundation contributes significantly to the school's budget, making it the primary financial supporter of academic initiatives at Carlmont High School. CAF's annual contributions have enabled substantial improvements in educational outcomes, including a notable reduction in class sizes and expansion of program offerings.

Impact

In recent years, contributions to CAF have resulted in tangible improvements in academic and extracurricular opportunities available to students. For instance, funding has allowed for the addition of more class periods, which has helped reduce class sizes, benefiting over 2,200 students from surrounding areas.

CAF's financial support is critical to maintaining and enhancing the educational quality at Carlmont High School, providing resources that state and local funding alone cannot cover.

Evaluation and Recognition

While CAF is a respected organization within its community, its charity ratings highlight areas for improvement. It has received a rating of 2 out of 4 stars from organizations evaluating non-profits, indicating potential for strengthening its governance and financial reporting practices.

Conclusion

CAF continues to play a vital role in the educational landscape of Carlmont High School by providing essential financial support to its academic and extracurricular programs. Through its initiatives, CAF ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for success beyond graduation.