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Monica Lopez
Marketing Director
mlopez@pasedfoundation.org
626.396.3625
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Reflecting on Important Lessons Learned as a PEF Youth Leader
Each summer Pasadena Educational Foundation’s Youth Leader Program offers high school students the unique opportunity…
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CFPF Recognizes Don Benito Teacher Christine Sandoval [Media Release]
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Celebrates Extra Yard for Teachers Week, Recognizing Pasadena Elementary School…
What’s New
- PEF Awards $206,000 to PUSD Educators [Media Release]Pasadena Educational Foundation Awards More Than $206,000 [More]
- PEF News & Updates Fall 2024This past year has shown the incredible power of [More]
- Warmth and Care for PUSD’s Families in TransitionEven in Southern California, winter means cooler nights. [More]
- A Celebration of PUSD Staff Dedication: Thanks to You TacosThe Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) held [More]
LATEST MEDIA RELEASES
June 4, 2019
Pasadena Educational Foundation Welcomes New Board of Directors Members
The Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) is proud to announce the election of four new members to its board of directors Lorena Yépez Hernandez, Roberto Hernandez, Robyn Mizes, and Linda Morales. PEF is led by a diverse group of volunteer board members who are deeply rooted in our community, committed to the mission of the organization, and passionate about public education and the Pasadena Unified (PUSD) schools. Board members are business and civic leaders, educators, parents, and professionals who collectively work to make a better future for our students and our community. The board provides leadership for carrying out the Foundation’s mission to support, enhance, and supplement the programs, initiatives, and priorities of the PUSD.
April 2, 2019
Rose Bowl Stadium to Host 9th Annual Pasadena Unified Middle School Robotics Competition
On Friday, April 12, approximately 200 Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) middle school robotics students will take over the Rose Bowl Stadium’s end-zone to compete for this year’s prize in the deep-sea exploration themed robotics competition, the Pasadena Educational Foundation’s Robo Rally Driven by Honda. The 9th annual competition will showcase the student teams’ robotic skills while combining the practical application of science and technology with the fun, intense energy of a championship-style sporting event.
September 19, 2018
Pasadena Educational Foundation Receives Endowment Gift of $500,000 from Keith and Margaret Russell
The Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) is delighted to announce a $500,000 endowment gift from Keith and Margaret Russell to support PEF’s work supporting the students, teachers, and schools of the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD). This gift is the largest endowment gift in PEF’s history and will be given out over a 10-year period.
More here >>
May 7, 2018
Tickets Now Available for Pasadena Educational Foundation’s
CELEBRATING OUR SCHOOLS BREAKTHROUGH 2018
With Special Guest Speaker Dr. Andrea Armani and Honoring the Pasadena Tournament of Roses
Tickets are now on sale for the Pasadena Educational Foundation’s (PEF) annual spring event, Celebrating Our Schools BREAKTHROUGH 2018, featuring guest speaker Dr. Andrea Armani, a visionary educator and leader at USC, a special presentation in honor of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, and this year’s popular interactive showcase highlighting the Pasadena Unified School District’s (PUSD) innovative programs and students. The event will be held on Tuesday, May 22, at the historic Pasadena City Hall. The Breakthrough Student Interactive Showcase begins at 5 P.M., speaker program begins at 6 P.M. followed by a reception in the courtyard.
More here >>
October 7, 2017
Local Business and Civic Leaders are Reporting to the Principal’s Office
Pasadena Educational Foundation Hosts
12th Annual Pasadena Unified Principal for a Day
Local business and civic leaders will be spending the day in the principal’s office on Wednesday, October 4th for the annual Pasadena Unified School District’s (PUSD) “Principal for a Day” program. Sponsored and coordinated by the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF), the program matches the talent and expertise of local community members with a school principal.
More here >>
September 5, 2017
SCHOOL COMMUNITY GARDEN GRAND OPENING
AT PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2017
Children, families, volunteers, and local officials will celebrate the grand opening of a school community garden at Pasadena High School (PHS) Friday, September 8, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. The garden was developed thanks to a grant from the Pasadena Community Gardens Conservancy (PCGC) to the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) and the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD). PUSD Superintendent Brian McDonald, Ed.D., Pasadena City Council Member Gene Masuda, and Pasadena Community Gardens Conservancy’s Eileen Reed will deliver remarks at the celebration.
More here >>
July 20, 2017
The Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) was honored to receive two Excellence in Communications Awards from the California Schools Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) at the 2017 CalSPRA Annual Seminar in Sacramento. For more than 45 years, PEF has been committed to building dynamic community partnerships to support the public schools of Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre. PEF was recognized for the Summer Times Newsletter and for the Rock 4 PEF marketing campaign.
More here >>
Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) Summer Enrichment Program is off to a great start with more than 1,300 students showing up for their first fun-filled week of summer learning and exploration.
More here >>
200 middle school students from across the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) will be showcasing their robotics skills at this year’s space-exploration-themed competition, Robo Rally 2017: “ROVE!” sponsored by the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF). PUSD students will build and program “planetary rovers” that will race against time to ensure the survival of a colony on a distant Mars-like planet. The rovers will have to make their way on the course, touching two markers before they cross a laser finish line.
Kicking off the Pasadena Educational Foundation’s (PEF) annual spring event, Celebrating Our Schools, ENVISION 2017, will be an interactive showcase, Kaleidoscope, that highlights the outstanding students and remarkable programs of the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD). Following the showcase will be a keynote address from Parsons CEO Charles Harrington, a visionary and inspiring leader in engineering and a special presentation with Tim Sippel, John Muir High School Principal, and students from the Engineering & Environmental Sciences Academy. The event will be held on Tuesday, May 2, at the historic Pasadena City Hall. Kaleidoscope begins at 5 P.M., speaker program begins at 6 P.M. followed by a reception in the courtyard.
April 11, 2017
November 4, 2016
PASADENA, CA – EDM artists Dani Artaud (a.k.a SnowBlood) and Luis Dubuc (a.k.a. Mystery Skulls), composer Jae Deal, singer/songwriter Santina Giordano, and film composer Bobby Johnston will join with guest MC, musician Jonathan Martin Berry, to judge the Pasadena Educational Foundation’s 3rd Annual Battle of the Bands at the Rock 4 PEF Music Festival on Saturday, November 5, at Levitt Pavilion from 5-8PM (gates open at 4PM.)
October 27, 2016
FELI AND THE LEMONSHAKERS ADDED TO ROCK 4 PEF MUSIC FESTIVAL LINEUP
Walter Ino, of the rock band Survivor (Eye of The Tiger) and lead online judge in the Pasadena Educational Foundation’s Battle of the Bands, announced the 5 finalists in the teen music competition via a video announcement. The musical journey began with 21 bands but will end with only one winner at the 3rd Annual Rock 4 PEF Music Festival on Saturday, November 5 at Levitt Pavilion Pasadena, beginning at 5PM (gates open at 4PM).
October 24, 2016
PRINCIPAL FOR A DAY:
Local Business and Civic Leaders are Reporting to the Principal’s Office
Local business and civic leaders will be spending the day in the principal’s office on Wednesday, October 26th for the eleventh annual Pasadena Unified School District’s (PUSD) “Principal for a Day” program. Sponsored and coordinated by the Pasadena Educational Foundation, the program matches the talent and expertise of local community members with a school principal.
October 11, 2016
3rd Annual Rock 4 PEF Music Festival, supporting music in Pasadena Unified schools, to be held Saturday, November 5
The Pasadena Educational Foundation(PEF) is hosting the 3rd Annual Rock 4 PEF Music Festival and Battle of the Bands, supporting music programs in Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) schools on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at the beautiful Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena’s Memorial Park. Gates open at 4PM. Show starts at 5PM.
October 5, 2016
Pasadena Community Gardens Conservancy awarded $70,000 in grants to the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) to support school gardens to improve family health and nutrition, enhance science education, and help increase parental involvement in the schools.
The funds, awarded via the Pasadena Educational Foundation, will be used to support two new school-based gardens, at Pasadena High School and Franklin Elementary School, and to create a new full-time consultancy position at PUSD for a certificate-holding Master Gardener to coordinate the district’s school gardens. The individual serving in this position will be known as the “Pasadena Community Gardens Conservancy Master Gardener.”
August 30, 2016
PASADENA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION AWARDED NEA GRANT TO DEVELOP “OPEN STAGE” A COMMUNITY-BASED PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAM FOR PUSD STUDENTS
The Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) has been selected for a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Art Works award of $79,500 to develop a community-based performing arts program titled “Open Stage” for the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD.) The Art Works category supports the creation of work and presentation of both new and existing work, lifelong learning in the arts, and public engagement with the arts through 13 arts disciplines or fields.
June 17, 2016
More than 1,400 students show up for the first day of the 5-week program.
Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) Summer Enrichment Program is off to a great start with more than 1,400 students showing up for their first fun-filled week of summer learning and exploration.
May 20, 2016
More than 100 middle school teams from across the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) will be showcasing their robotic skills at this year’s Robo Rally 2016: “Fast and Furious!” sponsored by the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF). The students will build and program robotic race cars to get to the garage on the other side of town as fast as possible. Adding to the programming complexity vehicles may be challenged to a “game of chicken” on a narrow road before reaching the garage.
May 18, 2016
FIRST CLASS OF APP ACADEMY AT PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO GRADUATE
Senior Capstone Showcase Friday, May 20, 2016
The first class to graduate from the Pasadena Educational Foundation supported App Academy at Pasadena High School will be holding a Senior Capstone Showcase on Friday, May 20, 2016 from 10:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. The App Academy at Pasadena High School is an innovative four-year high school program in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) where students learn computer science through mobile, web, and game development.
April 29, 2016
Innovation in education is the theme of the Pasadena Educational Foundation’s spring event–Celebrating Our Schools INNOVATE 2016–which will feature Virgin Galactic President Steve Isakowitz, an award to community arts advocate Joan Palmer, and the first ever Launchpad interactive showcase featuring the Pasadena Unified School District’s (PUSD) innovative programs and students. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 11, at the historic Pasadena City Hall. Guests are invited to explore Launchpad from 5-6 P.M. Program begins at 6 P.M. followed by a reception in the courtyard.
February 25, 2016
On a beautiful, clear, and warm afternoon in February the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) celebrated the planting of its first Legacy Tree in honor of the Helen and Will Webster Foundation at Eliot Arts Magnet Academy. The Webster Foundation was the recipient of PEF’s Exemplary Service Award for their incredibly generous and visionary support of the community, PEF, and the schools of the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD).
January 27, 2016
SCHOOL COMMUNITY GARDEN GRAND OPENING AT MADISON ELEMENTARY
SATURDAY, JAN. 30, 2016
Children, families, volunteers, and local officials will celebrate the grand opening of a school community garden at Madison Elementary School Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 from 2 – 4 p.m. The garden was developed thanks to a grant from the Pasadena Community Gardens Conservancy to the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) and the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD). Pasadena PUSD Superintendent Brian McDonald, Ed.D., Mayor Terry Tornek, and Pasadena Community Gardens Conservancy President Eileen White Read will deliver remarks at the celebration.
November 4, 2015
An Emmy-nominated actress, a rock musician, a scientist, an author, a former State Attorney General, and local business and civic leaders will be spending the day in the principal’s office on Friday, November 6, 2015, for the tenth annual Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Principal for a Day program.
PASADENA, CA – Celebrating Our Schools, the Pasadena Educational Foundation’s 2015 Spring Event, will feature an inspiring keynote address from White House Champions of Change honoree Dr. S. Dallas Dance, Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools. Dr. Dance is responsible for overseeing one of the largest school districts in the nation. A rising star in education, he is highly regarded for being a vibrant and driven leader, committed to advancing technology in the classroom. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 20, at the historic Pasadena City Hall, beginning at 6 p.m.
PASADENA, CA – More than 200 middle school students from across the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) will be showcasing their robotic skills at this year’s Robo Rally 2015: “Race to the Core!” sponsored by the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF). The students will compete to “Race to the Core!” of the galaxy with their autonomous robotic spaceships, while avoiding the asteroid belts blocking their path. This event is designed to be exciting and challenging for students, but also fun and entertaining for spectators. There will be a 15’x20′ jumbotron projecting an aerial view of the 24′ spiral galaxy course as robots race on it.
February 12, 2015
PASADENA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
RECEIVES A $75,000 GRANT FROM S. MARK TAPER FOUNDATION
Grant will support five Pasadena Unified School District Healthy Start Family Centers
PASADENA, CA – Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) is pleased to announce it has received a $75,000 grant from the S. Mark Taper Foundation. These funds will support the five Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Healthy Start Family Centers located at Madison, Jackson, and Cleveland Elementary Schools, Eliot Middle School, and the Education Center.
January 9, 2015
AMERICA’S GOT TALENT FINALIST TAYLOR MATHEWS COMING TO PASADENA UNIFIED HIGH SCHOOLS
Free Concert Series Coordinated By Pasadena Educational Foundation
PASADENA, CA – America’s Got Talent season five finalist, Taylor Mathews, will be doing a week long series of free concerts for the students at each Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) high school. The concerts are being coordinated by the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) in order to showcase the importance of music and music programs in our public schools. Taylor Mathews performed last fall at the inaugural ROCK 4 PEF music benefit festival in support of PUSD music programs and PEF, as well as judged last year’s youth Battle of the Bands competition. He hopes to inspire young musicians to pursue their dreams and love for music. “I’ve been visiting schools across the U.S. and Canada to share how vital it is to be a dreamer and how necessary it is to encourage students to pursue their dreams.” explains Taylor
December 4, 2014
PASADENA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION TO PRESENT
2014-15 TEACHER GRANT AWARDS TO PASADENA UNIFIED TEACHERS
PASADENA, CA – 63 Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) educators will be receiving early holiday gifts this year at the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) Teacher Grants reception on Tuesday, December 9 at 5PM, held at the Altadena Town & Country Club. Over $50,000 in grants will be awarded for the 2014-15 school year. The grants, awarded yearly, will benefit thousands of students in Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre.
October 21, 2014
LOCAL BUSINESS AND CIVIC LEADERS ARE REPORTING TO PUSD PRINCIPALS’S OFFICES
PASADENA, CA – Local business and civic leaders will be spending the day in the principal’s office on Thursday, October 23 for the ninth annual “Principal for a Day” program. Sponsored by Merrill Lynch and coordinated by the Pasadena Educational Foundation, the program matches the talent and expertise of local community members with a school principal.
September 17, 2014
THE PASADENA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION PRESENTS TWO CONCERTS SUPPORTING MUSIC EDUCATION
ROCK 4 PEF Music Festival, on October 5, will Feature a Special Acoustic Show by Brian and Nikki from Silversun PickupsBattle of the Bands on September 21, hosted by Comedian Al Madrigal, will
Showcase Over 40 Pasadena-area Young Musicians
PASADENA, CA – The Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) is excited to announce that Brian and Nikki from Silversun Pickups will perform a special acoustic show at the inaugural ROCK 4 PEF benefit music festival beginning at 4PM on Sunday, October 5, at the Farnsworth Park Amphitheater. This extraordinary evening of music will also feature Pasadena homegrown favorite Ozma. America’s Got Talent’s Taylor Mathews, the soulful Melissa Polinar, and will introduce the winner of the area-wide teen Battle of the Bands. TV’s Malcolm in the Middle star Jane Kaczmarek, who is also a PEF Board member, will join the star-studded line up on October 5 to help support music education programs in our local public schools.
August 12, 2014
Pasadena Unified Teachers to be Trained on
Latest 3D Printer Technology
PASADENA, CA – With every school in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) receiving a 3D printer in the 2014-2015 school year, the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) and PUSD are presenting a day-long teacher training on the use of these cutting edge devices Wednesday, August 13 at Marshall Fundamental High School. The day will be capped with a spirited competition amongst the teachers to showcase their innovative design lessons.
August 7, 2014
CALLING ALL PASADENA-AREA TEEN MUSICIANS!
ROCK 4 PEF Battle of the Bands
PASADENA, CA – The Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) is now accepting submissions from Pasadena-area teen bands for the ROCK 4 PEF Battle of the Bands. This inaugural event will begin at 2 pm on Sunday, September 21 at Levitt Pavilion in Old Town Pasadena. Al Madrigal, comedian and star of NBC’s About a Boy, will be the guest MC for this free community event. Deadline for band submissions is Wednesday, August 20.
PASADENA, CA – During a two-day marathon programming session, a team of four freshmen from the App Academy at Pasadena High School developed a mobile app to help local residents as part of the inaugural Hack for Pasadena competition, sponsored by Innovate Pasadena. Their app won the prize for “Most Accessible Implementation of Technology to Reach and Engage the Community,” including a $1,750 check and a meeting with a Silicon Beach venture capital firm to pitch their app for additional funding. The youngest team in this all-ages competition, all students of the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), will be recognized by the Pasadena City Council for their achievements.
PASADENA, CA – During a two-day marathon programming session, a team of four freshmen from the App Academy at Pasadena High School developed a mobile app to help local residents as part of the inaugural Hack for Pasadena competition on March 15-16, sponsored by Innovate Pasadena. Their app won the prize for “Most Accessible Implementation of Technology to Reach and Engage the Community,” including a $1,750 check and a meeting with a Silicon Beach venture capital firm to pitch their app for additional funding.
PASADENA, CA – The Pasadena Educational Foundation’s 2014 Spring Event, honoring actor and activist Edward James Olmos and Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, will be held on Wednesday, May 7 at the historic Pasadena City Hall beginning at 6pm. As the featured speaker for the evening, Mr. Olmos will be sharing his inspirational vision gained from decades-long work as an advocate and spokesman for educational causes.
October 18, 2014
Local business and civic leaders are reporting to PUSD Principals’ offices
Local business and civic leaders will be spending the day in the principal’s office on Thursday, October 23 for the ninth annual “Principal for a Day” program. Sponsored by Merrill Lynch and coordinated by the Pasadena Educational Foundation, the program matches the talent and expertise of local community members with a school principal.
