Berkeley High School’s primary fundraising arm is calling for  community members to contribute any amount they are able, to help stem the impact of recent and potential school funding cuts at both the state and federal level.

Donate this Giving Tuesday to the Berkeley High School Development Group to keep critical programs alive.

The nonprofit, Berkeley High School Development Group, funds dozens of critical services every year at the high school, including Berkeley Technology Academy and Berkeley Independent Study. That includes tutoring, counseling, mental health services, and college admission support. 

“Our mission is to meet the needs that the district cannot,” said Elizabeth Stuart, the group’s board president. “Some essential programs are feeling the effects of tighter budgets, and we want to make sure every BHS student continues to have access to the opportunities they deserve.”

The group was founded in 1991 by parents concerned about the impact of budget cuts — and nearly 35 years later financial conditions once again underscore its vital mission.

This Giving Tuesday, given the economic outlook for Berkeley schools, the organization has launched an ambitious campaign to raise additional dollars in anticipation of ongoing budget cuts, and the domino effect created when funding for school basics shrinks or disappears. 

Last year more than 1,300 donors helped raise about $500,000 to support grants the organization made to the school of 3,200-plus students.  

Tutoring, mental health and more

In 2024-2025, for example, after-school tutoring funded by the group reached nearly 1,800 students — more than half the student body — who received more than 5,000 tutoring sessions. This drop-in resource, open to all students, is one of the school’s most far-reaching forms of academic support.

“For nearly a decade, this program has helped students connect more deeply with their teachers, while also honoring and compensating those teachers for the extra time they give,” said Matt Laurel, a teacher and the academic support coordinator. “It’s a win for our students, our staff, and our school culture.”

Additionally, the development group has helped pay teachers the overtime to help with at-risk students, making sure incoming 9th graders are placed carefully in classes and get the services they need.

“Teaching doesn’t start and end with a bell,” said Hasmig Minassian, co-lead of Universal 9th Grade. “The development group knows this and supports our ability to collaborate with our colleagues, plan ahead and reflect on our work throughout the year.” 

Beyond the classroom, the group supports programs to address one of the toughest issues of adolescence — mental health. The BHS Wellness Center, co-funded by the development group, provided a drop-in safe space for any student needing to meet with a counselor. And last year funding also paid for preventative education services to over 700 9th grade students.

Berkeley High Students in a training for Green Dot, a sexual harm and bullying prevention program supported by BHSDG. Courtesy of Sylva Roubinian

Supporting student clubs with a particular focus on equity and enrichment is another critical role of the Berkeley High School Development Group.  Last year, it gave a grant for 12 students in the BHS National Society of Black Engineers chapter to attend the organization’s National Leadership Conference in Chicago.  

“This conference not only gave me a sense of newfound aspiration for the field of engineering, it also gave me hope on how I can push myself to be better and to aspire to be my very best,” said junior Amin A’Omer, a member of the chapter. 

College-bound support

Berkeley High Students in the College and Career Center, supported by BHSDG. Courtesy of Matt Laurel

Helping students get to college has been another major focus. Last year alone, the group granted $58,250 to the BHS College and Career Center — a vital resource for juniors and seniors. 

Three programs last year, in particular, helped pave the way for underrepresented, low-income and first-generation-to-college students to navigate the cumbersome college application process. 

Grants went to 24 students to tour eight historically Black colleges and universities, where they met faculty, and got a taste of college life as they learned about the application process and financial aid.

Funds went to 43 students to support college application costs, which can range from $40-$90 per application. And 55 seniors received need-based support to help with college transition expenses. 

These are just some of the many programs funded by the Berkeley High School Development Group. Others include classroom supplies, technology, career services and community building.

Reflecting on his partnership with the development group, BHS Principal Juan Raygoza said, “As principal of Berkeley High School, I’ve witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact the Berkeley High School Development Group has had on our students and staff. Their steadfast support, thoughtful partnership and generous funding have made it possible to bring meaningful, inclusive and enriching opportunities to life across our entire BHS community.”

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