Two-thirds of the academic achievement gap in ninth grade can be explained by disparities in access to summer enrichment opportunities.
— Johns Hopkins University Sociology Study
Expanding Access to STEM Education
The Berkeley Public Schools Fund partners with Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) to provide free, hands-on K-12 STEM programs that spark curiosity, build essential skills, and foster a sense of belonging. These programs are designed to expand access to high-quality STEM learning, particularly for students who are currently underrepresented in the field.
Offered in the summer, on weekends, and during mid-year school breaks, these immersive, project-based programs give students opportunities to engage with STEM beyond the classroom. By providing enriching experiences outside the school day, the Schools Fund strengthens pathways to STEM education and careers while supporting student learning and engagement.
Scroll down to learn more about our STEM programs and their impact in the Berkeley community.
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Berkeley students served annually through our STEM programs
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of students are from underrepresented groups in STEM
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Berkeley public schools partner with us to bring these programs to life
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Raised and reinvested through the 2025-2026 school year
Our STEM Programs
Super Science Saturdays
A six-weekend STEM program offered in both the spring and fall, where 1st–5th graders engage in hands-on activities, visit science museums, and participate in workshops with local STEM professionals. Designed to increase access for students currently underrepresented in STEM, the program fosters curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving—helping young learners envision themselves as future scientists and engineers.
Maker Camp
A 4-week summer program where 6th–9th graders dive into hands-on STEM learning, exploring game design, animation, engineering, and more. With a focus on equity and access, Maker Camp empowers students currently underrepresented in STEM through real-world projects, mentorship, and career-connected learning, including a bridge to Berkeley High School’s Career Technical Education (CTE) program.
``Having free access to these programs is monumental to growing diversity within STEM fields. Keeping students of color, girls, and gender-expansive youth engaged in STEM starts with each and every interaction they have during their youth.``
``The students enjoyed science and math awareness in a fun way. They learned that making mistakes is an opportunity to learn.``
``My son loves science! He loves dinosaurs and already dreams of becoming a Paleontologist. I love the opportunity that he is learning to widen his horizons and the opportunity he gets to meet others that love it just as much as he does.``
``The students definitely learned how to better work together, explore their unique ideas, and put them into action.``
Real Impact, Real Change
Join Us in Closing the STEM Opportunity Gap
The Berkeley Public Schools Fund provides free, hands-on STEM programs that empower Berkeley students to explore, innovate, and thrive. With donor support, we close opportunity gaps and create pathways to education and careers, ensuring a lasting impact in the community.