Local problems, shrinking student populations, and state cuts have combined to hit our schools with the worse cuts in over a decade.  There are many ways we can help to keep our schools moving forward.

Do you have time to read with a student for 30 minutes once a week?  Interested in volunteering in the school libraries or gardens?  HEROES (Helpers Engaged in Reaching Oakland's Excelling Schools), our volunteer clearinghouse, will provide the necessary fingerprinting, orientation & training, 879-2908 or www.oaklandheroes.org

• Instrument Donations:  The district has restored elementary music to all elementary schools.  This has increased the need for instruments.  Many students who cannot afford to rent instruments for home use would benefit greatly from your donation of instruments that your family may have outgrown or from scholarships.  Contact 879-8116.
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• Skyline Performing Arts Academy:  This program at Tom Hanks alma mater is growing stronger each year despite recent city cuts. 879-3060.  

Many stores donate a percentage to your local schools.  Albertson's will donate if you just show them the cards handed out by local schools. Target also registers you painlessly.  If you shop on-line, check out http://www.schoolpop.com, where hundreds of merchants from Amazon.com to Lands End give a percentage to the schools of your choice with just one registration.

Sadly, food banks are reporting greater need with the growing recession.  Some studies report that up to 1 in 4 California kids go hungry some part of each month.  This local project delivers bags of food to over 30 schools each Friday. 534-6362

• Oakland's career academies regularly win national recognition.  High school juniors and seniors learn how to apply what they are learning through internships/real work experience. Students are prepared and screened for internships in local businesses/ organizations. If you can give a student this opportunity contact the School-to-Career Program 879-8316.  Some stipends are available.
• JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT needs volunteers to speak to classrooms about careers and work. See HEROES above. 

The Marcus Foster Education Institute has been awarding college scholarships and teachers grants to Oakland grads and for over 30 years. All are underwritten by Oakland companies, civic groups, and graduates.  Other alumni are developing endowments for school programs.  A great way to give back to Oakland schools and teachers and invest in new generations.