Paddle Raise for Programs

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

 

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