Urgent Need for Safety and Belonging in Berkeley’s Public Schools

Berkeley’s public schools are built on inclusivity, equity, integrity, and compassion—values that every student deserves to experience every day. But those values are under threat.

A $7 million state budget cut, federal rollbacks, and rising ICE activity in the East Bay have destabilized families, deepening mental health struggles and widening opportunity gaps for students across the district.

Schools are more than places of learning—they are spaces where every student should feel safe, supported, and valued. When that sense of security is shaken, chronic stress makes it harder for students to focus, connect, and succeed. Now more than ever, we must ensure our schools remain places where students can thrive.

The Berkeley Public Schools Fund, a community-funded nonprofit, partners with educators, families, and community members to create school environments that foster safety and belonging. Through Equity Grantmaking, STEM initiatives, fiscal sponsorship and volunteer programs, the Schools Fund helps create the connections and opportunities every student needs to flourish.

 What Belonging Looks Like in Action

At King Middle School, a Schools Fund Equity Grant supports the Young Men’s Development Community, a mentorship and emotional support program that gives students a space to reflect, connect, and grow.

“Something that made me feel more connected was how we have some of the same struggles… It teaches you how to do better as a young man and how to respect others,” shares seventh-grader Akeiji Salinas.

For Akeiji, the group’s leader, BJ, makes a lasting impact:

“BJ is different. He listens, he treats everyone equally, and makes us feel heard.”

Programs like this build trust, belonging, and confidence that students carry with them—into the classroom and beyond.

Opening Doors in STEM

Belonging also means seeing yourself in spaces where you’ve historically been excluded. In STEM—where students of color, girls, and nonbinary students have long been underrepresented—the Schools Fund is opening new doors.

Our STEM programs and initiatives offer hands-on learning and mentorship that build confidence and break down barriers.

“I loved the self-esteem boost the staff gave for our work,” one student shared.
 A mentor reflected: “It was rewarding to inspire kids to be interested in STEM and see them believe in their own abilities.”

Creating Community Through Representation

Beyond academics, belonging means knowing you’re seen, valued, and supported. Last year, the Schools Fund supported over 30 affinity groups, reaching more than 600 students, staff, and families.

At Berkeley High, CAS Support Groups offer affirming space for trans students.

“It’s one of the only ways to hang out with other trans students at Berkeley High,” one student shared.

Representation matters for educators, too. The Black Staff Collaborative, backed by the Schools Fund, offers mentorship and connection for Black teachers—ensuring students see diverse role models in their classroom that feel confident and inspired to teach.

“I loved getting to meet other Black teachers in BUSD! We need each other because this profession is hard.”

This Work Is Powered by You

None of this would be possible without community support.

As a community-funded nonprofit, the Berkeley Public Schools Fund fills critical gaps where public resources fall short—making mentorship, academic enrichment, and spaces of belonging possible when students need them most. But the need is growing. Without continued support, many of these vital programs are at risk.

The challenges facing students today—from financial instability to systemic inequities—are urgent. 

But the solution is clear: when students feel safe, supported, and like they belong, they thrive.

And when we invest in their well-being now, we’re not just supporting students today—we’re shaping the future of our community. Safe, inclusive schools build confident learners, compassionate leaders, and connected communities. The ripple effects extend far beyond the classroom, creating a stronger, more just Berkeley for generations to come.

If you feel called to invest in this vision, learn more about our work at BerkeleyPublicSchoolsFund.org