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Gilead Foundation gives $500,000 to launch Project Career Map for SMFC students
Summary
Board recognized a $500,000 Gilead Foundation grant and pupils described hands‑on career exploration; district leaders said Project Career Map will bring students to universities, industry sites and science centers and begin for fifth‑ through eighth‑grade students over two years.
The San Mateo‑Foster City School District on Aug. 28 highlighted a $500,000 grant from the Gilead Foundation to launch Project Career Map, a two‑year STEM career‑exploration initiative for fifth through eighth graders.
District staff and students credited the grant and existing programs — Lego labs, middle‑school career electives and career discovery labs — with opening new pathways for students. Federico Pacheco, senior manager of public affairs for the Gilead Foundation, said the foundation will partner beyond the check by opening its campus to students and connecting them with employees: “Our $500,000 grant is just the beginning,” he said.
Why it matters: Project Career Map aims to give students hands‑on experiences and real‑world exposure to career fields early, starting in fifth grade rather than waiting until high school. The program will include trips to UC Berkeley, Cañada College, CSM, San Jose State and Stanford, visits to industry partners including Gilead, and science site experiences such as the Chabot Space & Science Center and Oakland Zoo veterinarian facilities.
Students who took part in college and career exploration and CCE courses described practical takeaways — from learning to read X‑rays to trying culinary and forensic modules — and urged continued support. Principal‑on‑special‑assignment Lori Fukumoto and other staff described program logistics: student interest will drive participation (students will opt into specific career paths), pre‑ and post‑surveys will collect data and chaperones will be needed.
Board members and staff noted the program builds on existing district partnerships and Education Foundation support (the foundation presented a larger district gift at the meeting). No formal board action was required at the Aug. 28 session.
Sources: Project Career Map presentation to the board; remarks by Federico Pacheco (Gilead Foundation) and district staff on Aug. 28.
