About Us
The San Luis Coastal Education Foundation (SLCEF) believes that a strong educational system is critical to the strength and future success of San Luis Obispo community businesses, civic organizations, and our local economy. Through the Foundation, our community is investing in our future leaders, neighbors, and workforce. By collaborating today towards this common purpose, our communities will be strengthened for a better tomorrow.
We support innovative thinkers across our school sites who have the ideas, passion, and expertise to transform learning and elevate opportunities for every student. In partnership with the school district, the community and industry partners, the SLCEF functions as an incubator where innovative ideas can be developed into successful programs, the impacts of which can be measured, replicated and scaled.
Our Vision
Our K12 educational system will equip all students with the qualities, competencies and resources they need to create a more inclusive and prosperous future for themselves and our region.
Our Purpose
The purpose of the San Luis Coastal Education Foundation is to build dynamic community partnerships, and raise and invest funds for the benefit of all students within our local schools.
Our Mission
The San Luis Coastal Education Foundation’s mission is to provide resources and opportunities for innovation in learning and excellence in teaching through big ideas, bold action and community collaboration.
Our Goals
Partner with our local schools and community to both inspire and equip all students for upward economic mobility in a rapidly changing world. We will achieve this goal by investing in the following priorities:
Our Priorities
Excellence in Teaching:
Empower Teachers
Inspire our partners in education to dream big, be creative and accomplish projects they never before thought possible.
Opportunity:
Remove Barriers
Nearly 40% of students in our district are socioeconomically disadvantaged. For many students, hard work and determination are not enough to overcome the barriers that limit their ability to access college and career opportunities. We are working to change that.
Innovation:
Exposure & Experience
Working to increase access to high-impact experiences that elevate students personally, academically and socially. Research shows that rigorous 21st century hands-on learning and dynamic groups experiences help set kids up with the essential skills for future personal and professional success.
Collaboration:
Partnership Network
We work with our diverse ecosystem of partners to rise above competing interests and embrace collaboration in order to create the opportunity of increased economic mobility for all local students.
Our Team
Christine Robertson
Executive Director
Christine Robertson works with foundation board, school district and school board to align and advance fundraising, grant-making and innovation priorities. Christine started her career as a public high school teacher and later went on to serve as a Chief of Staff in the California State Senate and Assembly. In 2013, she co-founded and led the Institute for Advanced Technology & Public Policy at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, a nonprofit multidisciplinary applied research Institute that invested in faculty and student led innovation projects. Christine’s husband is a high school special education teacher and together they have two school-aged children.
Board of Directors
The San Luis Coastal Education Foundation Board of Directors include SLCUSD parents, alumni, current and retired SLCUSD employees, and a diverse array of local community leaders, business owners, and professionals.
Dave Bernhardt, M.D.
Kelli Cole
Janet Gould
Lindsey Haring
Ron Holcombe
Melissa James
Steven Jobst, M.D.
Joey Leslie
Beth Marino, Esq.
Lyle Meek
David Mitchell
Marty Moroski, Esq.
Clint Slaughter, M.D.
Stephanie Shepherd
Andrea Soderin
Bill Thoma
Stacey White
Matthew Woods
Lisa Yamashita
Dr. Eric Prater, Superintendent (Liaison)
Chris Ungar, School Board (Liaison)
“This foundation was launched in recognition of the growing opportunities and challenges ahead for our students and teachers. Our community is stepping up and declaring our shared commitment to invest in the next generation of civic leaders, inventors, creators and entrepreneurs.”
