Each year the MBEF Board works together with Manhattan Beach Unified School District leadership to determine an immediate need to focus on during the Paddle Raise. Past initiatives have included math, STEAM, and visual arts. An announcement will be made in May of this year's focus.
The Paddle Raise in 2023 focused on advancing our STEM efforts to STEAM by including the creativity and ingenuity of the Arts. As a foundation committed to innovation, MBEF has directed significant funding towards project-based learning in our schools focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). From MakerSpace and Science Lab Specialists in our elementary schools, to STEM electives and advanced lab science support in our secondary schools, MBEF has been at the forefront of innovative programs.
The integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics is at the forefront of education today and encompasses a more holistic approach to learning. As we consider what opportunities we want to provide our students, it is important that we include innovative education programs that prepare the next generation of problem solvers to tackle the most complex challenges of the future.
STEAM transforms learning:
Improved problem-solving skills: STEAM programs encourage students to think critically and creatively, as they design and implement solutions to complex problems.
Enhanced collaboration: STEAM programs involve teamwork and collaboration, further developing important interpersonal skills, such as communication, leadership, and cooperation.
Increased engagement: Students find STEAM subjects to be more engaging because they bridge the gap between theory and practice, which can lead to better retention of information and expertise.
Preparation for the future: As the global economy becomes increasingly focused on technology and innovation, STEAM skills are becoming critical to preparing them for future careers and opportunities.
STEAM in our schools is prevalent – from Robotics and MakerSpace, Science Fairs and Invention Conventions, Coding and Computer Science, Art and Design, to Biotechnology and Environmental Studies. But we can, and should, do more to prepare today’s students for tomorrow.
Thank you to all our donors who joined us in this effort by raising their paddle high and helping our students to move FULL STEAM AHEAD to meet their future!
2023 STEAM Paddle Raise Donors
$100,000+
Chevron
$50,000+
G. Bradford Jones
Joan Hood Jones
$25,000+
The Bay Club
$5,000+
Leena Rao & Suneel Gupta
Audra & Michael Hatch
Dana &Keith Lupton
Jan & Chet Pipkin
Susan & Todd Purdy
Ellen & Mike Rosenberg
Donna & Gary Rosenthal
Dora & Jon Seiffer
Lan & Desmond Shirazi
Ronnie & Adam Sullins
Kathryn & Scott Withycombe
$2,500+
Lisa Bennet
Alice Kuo & John Chang
Charlotte Shales-Clark and David Clark
Michele & David Graeler
Stephanie & Mark Maruyama
Brenda & Nathan Pingelton
Lisa & Adam Quarello
Alison & Scott Rosenthal
Melissa & Rod Spiegel
$1,000+
Ashley & Hunter Baldwin
John Bowes
Emily & Mike Brunick
Tanja & Ralph Canada
Lorelei & Jason Chao
Kristen & Michael Chen
Christine Crossan Boogaert
Angela & Jacob Dax
Lorena Espinoza-Ellis & Andrew Ellis
Kimberly & Jon Friedman
Kimberly & Matthew Friesl
Stacey & John Fundingsland
Jan Rhees & Michael Grady
Brenda & Bruce Greenberg
Jennifer Pham-Hott & Douglas Hott
Trisha & Michael Husson
Gretchen & Rich Janson
Wanda & Chuck Kaminski
Julie & Derrell Lyon
Hilary & Rob Mahan
Daniel Murillo
Jeanne & John Oshiro
Colleen & CJ Pipkin
Tiffany & David Quick
April & Roger Spencer
Sheryl & Jeff Thaler
Jessica & Glenn Vanzura
Wysh & Dan Weinstein
$500+
Kerry Riccio Aguero & Mark Aguero
Kristie Daniel-DiGregorio & Gino DiGregorio
Rachel & Brian Disser
Catherine Gunther and Alistair Farquharson
Jennifer & Christopher Fenton
Ariel Ferguson
Cathey & Tim Graves
Heather Hawker
Briana & Matt Haydis
Kelly Frazier & Scott Gautier
Elisabeth & David Lesser
Nedda & Scott Lewers
Zoya & John Matich
Sonal & Shailendra Panchal
Sally & Jason Peel
Jean Slater
Lisa & Tom Stekol
Lenie & Rob Trent
Elisabeth & Michael Unton
Shannon & Michael Williams
$499 and Under
Lisette & Michael Beam
Irene Gonzalez-Castillo & John Castillo
Kathy & Robert Clarke
Heather & Dirk de Roos
Jun & Tim Fogaren
Joan & Tom Hastings
Amy & Mark Howorth
Christy & Andy Kubitz
Jessica & Bryan LaCour
Jennifer Chung & Sean Lucy
Sandya Magge & Ketan Jhaveri
Jill & Mike Matthews
Kristen & Tyler Monroe
Jenny & Tyler Morant
Dawnalyn Murakawa-Leopard & Dan Leopard
Jennifer & Tim Powers
Heather & Frederick Prelle
Jodi & Bill Ryan
Hibah Samad
Diana & David Skaar
Margerite & Rod Spackman
Betty & Raymond Wan
Janet Ray & Geoffrey Wells
Kirsten & Derrick Wood
Bea & Larry Zimbalist