Sunnyvale Education Foundation Receives Awards from City of Sunnyvale, County of Santa Clara, and State of California
“When you fund a classroom project, you aren’t just buying supplies, you are telling a teacher that their vision matters. When you provide grants for music, science, or arts, you aren’t just funding programs, you are making and sparking a life-long passion of a child. You are helping to build the innovators, the creators, and leaders of tomorrow right here in the heart of Silicon Valley.” - Mayor Larry Klein presenting the Sunnyvale Education Foundation with the Mayor’s Award of Excellence
The Sunnyvale Education Foundation was honored to receive the Mayor’s Award of Excellence (Group) at the Sunnyvale State of the City on September 19, 2026, as well as receive a Certificate of Commendation from Santa Clara County courtesy of Otto Lee and a Certificate of Recognition from the California Legislature Assembly courtesy of Patrick Ahrens.
Our organization works in community to advance an equitable, enriched education for all Sunnyvale School District students through fundraising, advocacy and collaboration, and to see our work recognized was truly special.
We are grateful for these recognitions, thankful for everyone who has helped make this moment possible, and eager to continue the work!
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It's an absolute honor to stand here today to recognize an organization that serves as a cornerstone of our community. When we talk about investing in our future we are talking about investing in our children and our schools. This recognition is not only well deserved, it is a testament to more than a decade of unrelenting dedication, collaboration and community spirit.
Since the founding in 2015, the Sunnyvale Education Foundation has operated on a powerful promise to advance an equitable, enriched education for every single student across 10 schools in the Sunnyvale School District. Where others see challenges, SEF sees opportunities, through grant programs, STEAM initiatives, outdoor education, field trips, and essential resources.
SEF bridges gaps and opens doors. But what really sets SEF apart is the unwavering commitment to equity. It's easy to support a single school site or a single classroom. It takes extraordinary vision to elevate an entire district. SEF brings together corporation partners, local businesses, parents, and community leaders to ensure no matter what neighborhood a child grows up in, they have access to inspiring, high quality education. They care about whole child wellness.
SEF is fundamentally driven by community. It is powered by volunteers, parents, educators, and dedicated residents who spend countless hours fundraising, planning, and advocating for our youth. SEF stood strong during COVID and especially the shutdown when helping families in need get access and break across the digital divide. Last year, when SNAP benefits were threatened, SEF helped raise more than $25,000 for grocery gift cards for families in need. Apart from those efforts, SEF has contributed over $1.6 million for programs and resources that directly impact our students.
To the SEF board of directors, the site representatives, the donors, and the endless roster of volunteers, this award belongs to you. When you fund a classroom project, you aren’t just buying supplies, you are telling a teacher that their vision matters. When you provide grants for music, science, or arts, you aren’t just funding programs, you are making and sparking a life-long passion of a child. You are helping to build the innovators, the creators, and leaders of tomorrow right here in the heart of silicon valley.
To the Sunnyvale Education Foundation, thank you. Thank you for your leadership, your passion, your deep belief in the potential of our public schools. You remind us what is possible when a community stands shoulder to shoulder behind our youth. We are so proud of what you have accomplished and we cannot wait to see how you continue to shape the future of young minds in Sunnyvale.
Therefore it is my distinct privilege to present the 2026 Mayor’s Award of Excellence for Group Achievement to the many volunteers of the Sunnyvale Education Foundation on behalf of the our entire city. Congratulations.
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In recognition of your commitment to enriching public education across the Sunnyvale School District. Through Sunnyvale Education Foundation’s grants to STEAM and Arts programs, outdoor education, and school resources, you have expanded opportunities and helped create more equitable and enriching experience for our students throughout Sunnyvale. We extend our gratitude for your tireless dedication to our youth. Your leadership empowers teachers, inspires students, strengthens our schools, and helps every child reach their full potential. On behalf of the State of California, we commend you for this significant achievement.
Congratulations and best wishes on your continued success!
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Supervisor Otto Lee hereby recognizes and congratulates Sunnyvale Education Foundation for receiving the City of Sunnyvale’s 2026 Mayor’s Award of Excellence.
Incorporated in 2015, the Sunnyvale Education Foundation has worked to build support for high quality, enriched education for all students throughout the Sunnyvale School District. As of 2026, the organization has provided nearly $2 million in grants and donations to support programs and resources in the district’s 11 [sic] schools, more than 800 educators, administrators, and staff, and nearly 5,600 students.
Thank you for your dedicated service, generosity, and leadership in strengthening public education and creating a brighter future for every student in our community.
