ABOUT
Mission High Foundation is a non-profit foundation that provides financial support for the students, staff, and programs of Mission High School, an urban public school in the heart of San Francisco. By funding academic enrichment, college & career programs, professional development, and materials & equipment, the Mission High Foundation enhances programming and creates transformative opportunities for Mission High students.
INVESTING IN EQUITY
Our goal is to provide the essential resources that Mission High School needs to deliver a high-quality education to every student. We are driven by the fundamental belief that every student deserves the opportunity to graduate prepared for college or post-graduation careers.
By supporting Mission High School, we contribute to a better San Francisco, and a more equitable society.
SERVING A DIVERSE COMMUNITY
Mission High School is ethnically, socio-economically, and academically diverse.
Mission High School reflects the rich history and incredible diversity of San Francisco. Founded in 1890, it is among the oldest, most iconic, and most diverse public high schools in the City.
The Students. Of the 1,000+ students who attend the school, they hail from more than 50 different countries or cultural backgrounds and speak more than 25 languages. It has an incredible program for newcomer students, with 20% of students having recently immigrated to the United States. 38% of Mission High students are learning English as a second language. Like a miniature-United Nations, there may be a student from one of many war-torn countries such as Ukraine, Yemen, or Syria studying alongside local Latinx, African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and White students in any given Mission High classroom. Specifically, 65% are Latinx, 13% African American, 8% Asian and Pacific Islander, 8% White, and 6% from other backgrounds.
More than 60% of Mission High students come from low-income families with 56% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Many confront challenges of being at-risk youth. Despite these challenges, with the support of the dedicated faculty and staff, Mission High students have consistently defied the odds; for instance, in 2022, an impressive 91% of those who applied to University of California schools were accepted; in 2023, 92% were accepted. By providing funding to develop educational opportunities at Mission High School, we equip these students with the tools they need to access higher education and the prospects it offers.
In addition, Mission High is home to a robust Learning Support Program that includes separate Special Education (SPED) classes for mild/moderate, moderate/severe, as well as moderate/severe with autism focus. In addition to the SOAR program, the school's ACCESS program offers a 13th grade for adult transition services.17% of the school's students have individualized education plans (IEPs).
The Faculty. Teachers at Mission High School are committed to promoting education focused on social justice and equity, instilling these values in the classroom and the community. They know what they need to prepare students for graduation, entry into college, and life. Unfortunately, they often lack the necessary resources. We partner directly with teachers and administrators to identify, fund, and implement initiatives that immediately and effectively benefit students.
BRIDGING THE FUNDING GAP
Like all public schools in San Francisco, Mission High is under-resourced, but unlike many schools, it doesn’t have the resources of a well-funded PTA or alumni organization. The Mission High Foundation was established by local members of the community in 2015 to help bridge the funding gap and to help the faculty and administration provide robust academic and cocurricular programs to Mission High's extraordinary students.
In an effort to ensure equal access to higher education for all Mission High School students, we seek to overcome economic barriers such as:
-
Budgetary deficits at the district level. Mission High School teachers are paying out of their own pockets for vital educational equipment and programs. According to the Economic Policy Institute, California teachers contribute an average of $664 every year; with teachers in high-poverty schools, such as Mission High, paying out even more of their own money.
-
Personal financial barriers. "Low-income students are less likely to enroll in college than their higher-income peers, with financial barriers, including application fees, being significant factors." (U.S. Department of Education) Given that at least 60% of Mission High students are from low-income families, the need to eliminate these financial barriers to higher education is urgent.