At a school board meeting in September, Claremont Education Foundation (CEF) representatives arrived with their annual donation to CUSD. They donated $199,600 for art, music, and technology in Claremont schools. CEF is a non-profit organization that aims to promote quality education in CUSD. Since its founding in 1991, CEF has worked through fundraising and other means to provide art and music instruction for Claremont elementary schools and new technology to El Roble and CHS.

For the past 24 years, CEF has played an enormous role in the quality of Claremont education and continues to do so. This donation consists of a series of grants CEF is giving to Claremont schools, making their contribution in the past 12 years amount to well over $2 million. Each year, CEF’s grant committee reviews grant proposals from each of the schools and gives grants to programs in Claremont schools.

“Each of the schools writes a proposal for what they want to do in their art and music programs. They also make proposals for technology that could be for computers, iPads, or other technology,” President of CEF Richard Chute said.
For example, in the past, grants have been given for iPods to be used in language courses. The money given could be used for a number of different things as long as what they are requesting supports the teaching process in the classroom.

“We want schools to tells us what they are doing and find out the best way we can help them,” CEF President Richard Chute said.

CEF is a member of the California Consortium of Education Foundations, which is dedicated to strengthening public education by progressing the creation, growth, and effectiveness of local education foundations by advocating for the improvement of public education. CEF’s board of directors consists of business and community leaders, parents, and district staff. Those involved in CEF share a common goal and commitment to improve education in Claremont schools and promote enrichment through music and art. CEF volunteers spend a lot of time not only reviewing grants and ensuring that the appropriate amount is given for a justifiable cause, but raising money for these grants through obtaining donations, forming business partnerships, holding events and other fundraisers. They are known for their car raffle through their partnership with Claremont Toyota, raising around $30,000 annually.

“We work very hard. We have a very active volunteer board that accomplishes a lot,” Chute said.
Claremont residents and especially students at Claremont schools are very grateful for everything CEF has given through the arts and allowed so many opportunities with technology.

“I think what CEF does has a positive impact on every student. Over $2 million in 12 years is a huge contribution to education,” freshman Catherine Schnabel said.

CEF has clearly benefited Claremont schools and the work that they do is greatly appreciated.