As the CSU works to prepare and power California's future generations of innovators, educators, designers, thinkers and doers, the CSU Foundation plays a vital role in facilitating the public-to-private and public-to-public partnerships integral to our success.
The CSU Foundation helps power the university's efforts through support of programs that enhance the preparation of quality K-12 teachers in California and in the development of educational approaches that help students find seamless pathways to a bachelor's degree in high-demand science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
The CSU Foundation also supports systemwide efforts to increase student, faculty and staff engagement with local and global communities. Here are some of the current programs overseen by the foundation:
Teacher Education: Linked Learning Initiative
Teacher Education programs in the California State University are preparing the state's next generation of teachers to foster the success of all students. The CSU is California's and the nation's largest producer of teachers, with a yearly average of 10,000 completing their programs.
The Linked Learning Initiative prepares K-12 educators to facilitate student success in college and in their career, while building seamless pathways to university degrees. The initiative develops teacher leaders equipped to spread Linked Learning and advance its practices.
Teacher Education grants provided through the CSU Foundation include support from the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, Chevron Products Company, and The James Irvine Foundation.
The California State University Center for Community Engagement
This center combines service and teaching to engage students in learning experiences that apply classroom knowledge in real‐world community settings. For the past three years, Community Engagement grants provided through the CSU Foundation have focused on the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The CSU Center for Community Engagement and campus community engagement offices receive nearly $2.5 million in external funding annually.
With grants from Southern California Gas Company and Edison International, the state's future scientists, engineers and educators are already having an impact. Externally supported projects include restoration of habitats for endangered species, energy conservation and efficiency, protection of water quality, and the development of assistive technologies.