Director’s Message

Program emphasis at Castro Valley Adult and Career Education has shifted noticeably over the past few years so that literacy instruction and workforce development are now the core focus. Many adults desperately need to pursue their high school diploma, learn to speak English or train for jobs. Yet, due to budget cuts, adult schools throughout California are downsizing with the result being that fewer literacy and career training courses are available with each passing month.

A national study on Adult Learners and State Policy recently concluded “No state can prosper with a poorly educated workforce, nor can it prosper if its workforce fails to learn continuously.” Considering the 150 year history of California Adult Schools, now is one of those times when our services are critically needed to help stabilize our state and to address the education of our most needy. Castro Valley Adult and Career Education is committed to meeting these challenges in our community.

In addition, CVACE intends to continue providing high quality parenting, health and safety, and active adult classes. Many of these programs have been streamlined and registration fees now cover a respectable portion of course costs. As always, our Community Interest classes, such as Zumba®, Whole Food Nutrition, and Meditation are self-sustaining with registration fees covering all program costs.

Financial Assistance Needed: In response to inquiries from community members, and in order to help address budget shortfalls, we have established a process for community members to donate directly to either our Student Scholarship Fund or to a Designated Subject Area Program of the donator’s choosing. All Scholarship Funds will go directly to reducing the course registration fees for students with financial needs (students apply through the Main Office). Subject Area donations will be used to maintain or expand the specific program area designated by the contributor - Adults with Disabilities or Career and Technical Training for example.

Our thanks to all those who have supported and who continue to support the Vision and Mission of Castro Valley Adult and Career Education.

Wishing you joy in your pursuit of life-long learning.
Jerry Green,

Did You Know...
Castro Valley has some of the best schools in the state!

Maintaining this excellence will necessitate community involvement going forward:
• California ranks 47th in US for state funding per student – $2,000 less than US average
• California student-teacher ratios among the highest in US
• $4.1 million in CVUSD cuts for 2009-2010: reading specialists, 9th grade class sizes, seventh period (CVHS), athletics, librarians, music, counselors, custodians, and transportation.
• The CVUSD expects another $5.1 million revenue shortfall NEXT YEAR... more
programs will be at risk
We Can Maintain Excellence .... Just $1 per day per student will raise over $3 million!
• We value class sizes, academic excellence and extra-curricular programs.
• SOSCV! benefits all schools. Budgeting is done at the district level, limiting the ability of school PTAs and program-specific foundations to address issues such as class sizes and teacher/staff positions.

Donate today in any of the following ways:
1) Donate online at www.SOSCV.org.
2) Mail donation to: SOSCV!, 20885 Redwood Road, #195, Castro Valley, CA 94546.
3) Drop off donation at your child’s school office.
4) Drop off at the school district office: 4400 Alma Avenue, Castro Valley, CA 94546.

Castro Valley Educational Foundation

CVEF raises and distributes funds to promote excellence in the education of students in the Castro Valley Unified School District. We support the schools in many ways.

Direct funding: $264,000 since inception of the Fundation
Scholarships: $59,000 awarded in 2009
Non-monetary support: Spring District Science Festival, Health and Fitness Fair, District Spelling Bee

We invite you to join us as a member or contributor. For more information please go to our website (www.cvef.org) or contact us (cvef@comcast.net).