The Oakland Public Education Fund (Ed Fund) proudly announces the four-year renewal of its long-standing partnership with the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), approved by the OUSD Board of Education. The vote reaffirms the Ed Fund’s vital role in securing resources, mobilizing community support, and ensuring equitable funding for Oakland schools.
“Public education is facing immense challenges, and our commitment to supporting OUSD remains stronger than ever,” said Ali Medina, CEO of the Ed Fund. “For over two decades, we have worked hand in hand with OUSD to secure critical funding, provide operational support, and strengthen school communities. We are honored to continue our work fighting for educational equity in Oakland public schools for another four years.”
“Since its inception, the Oakland Public Education Fund has been an incredible partner that’s always laser-focused on filling the needs of our students, staff, and families in our day-to-day teaching and learning, and also in major times of need—as we saw during the early part of the pandemic,” said OUSD Superintendent Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell.
“Our teachers receive much-needed grants to support their students, and our classrooms have amazing volunteers through the work of the Ed Fund. The Ed Fund also provides the beloved annual “Read-Ins” for our students and so many other things. I am grateful we get to work side-by-side with the Ed Fund for another four years,” Johnson-Trammell added.
Key Highlights of the Ed Fund’s Impact on OUSD Since 2003:
- Secured over $250 Million in grants and donations to fund essential school programs and resources
- Managed the Equity-Aligned Fundraising Program to direct resources to schools with the greatest needs
- Coordinated volunteer clearances and mobilized thousands of community members to support Oakland schools
- Provided financial management & accounting support for school programs to maximize impact
- Offered hands-on support for school events, community engagement initiatives, and partnership development
“For over 20 years, the Ed Fund Board—in concert with passionate and dedicated Ed Fund staff—has continuously pursued creative ways to fill funding gaps. Our goal is to ensure every Oakland public school student receives a quality education,” said Loraine Binion-Hardy, Ed Fund Board Chair.
As Oakland’s largest nonprofit supporting public education, the Ed Fund has been a critical partner in ensuring every OUSD student can access the resources they need to succeed—and will continue to help provide much-needed support during these challenging times.
“We are grateful for the OUSD Board’s recognition of our work and their trust in our ability to continue serving our public school students, families, and educators,” Medina added. “Together, we can make a lasting difference in Oakland’s public schools.”
The Oakland Public Education Fund is a nonprofit that leads the development of community resources in Oakland public schools so that all students can learn, grow, and thrive. We have helped raise over $250M for Oakland kids, placed 17,500 volunteers in local classrooms, and fiscally sponsored more than 150 education-related projects.