are the foundation for future development, providing a strong base for lifelong learning including cognitive and social development.
show that positive stimulation of a child’s brain during the critical first years of life lays the foundation for the child’s future ability to learn.
in early childhood education is an investment in our future: For every $1 dollar spent on high-quality early education, the public will save $7 or more in future costs like grade repetition, early parenthood, or incarceration.
Since 1991, Teach For America Bay Area (TFA) has built a multigenerational pipeline of Bay Area teachers and school leaders. As a partner of San Francisco Unified School District, TFA finds, develops, and places well-prepared educators in seven high-needs schools across the city. At Bessie Carmichael Elementary, a school with some of the city’s highest rates of student homelessness and foster system involvement, emotional security is the foundation for academic growth. The principal describes 2025 TFA Corps Member Ben as, “Pure joy. Rookie of the year. Takes everything as a learning experience. He has great systems and management for kids working on English Language Development.”
Today, the Fund’s 24 years of investment is flourishing in the work of 679 local teachers, 98 school principals, 135 assistant principals and deans, 84 superintendents and curriculum designers, and 19 elected officials who work to improve learning conditions for Bay Area students.
The Tenderloin Recreation Center Children’s Play Area Improvement Project transformed one of San Francisco’s most densely populated and park-deficient neighborhoods into a vibrant, nature-based destination for children and families. Led by the San Francisco Recreation & Park Department in partnership with KABOOM!, Wu Yee Children’s Services, the Department of Early Childhood, SF Children & Nature, and numerous public and philanthropic partners, the project replaced an asphalt-dominated playground with accessible play features, expanded green space with 16 trees planted, flexible outdoor learning and gathering areas, and a renovated soccer court. Shaped by extensive community input, the project advanced equity, accessibility, and nature-based play while strengthening a neighborhood resource that has served Tenderloin youth for nearly 30 years. The Fund was proud to support the renovation of the Tenderloin Recreation Children’s Play Area and the creation of a safer, more engaging outdoor space for children and families.