Title
Report regarding a resolution authorizing the acceptance of a grant in the amount of $25,000 from Genentech's South San Francisco Community Fund for the Parks and Recreation Department’s REAL After School Program at Martin and Los Cerritos Elementary Schools as well as the Senior Services Program, and amending the Parks and Recreation Department’s Fiscal Year 2022-23 Operating Budget pursuant to Budget Amendment #23.034. (Angela Duldulao, Acting Deputy Director, Parks and Recreation Department)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council accept a grant in the amount of $25,000 from Genentech's South San Francisco Community Fund for a series of computer education classes at the Parks and Recreation Department’s Youth Enrichment Service’s REAL After School Program at Martin and Los Cerritos Elementary Schools as well as the Senior Services Program, and amending the Parks and Recreation Department’s Fiscal Year 2022-23 Operating Budget pursuant to Budget Amendment #23.034.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The goal of Genentech’s South San Francisco Community Fund is to support programs that serve South San Francisco residents and events that enhance South San Francisco residents' sense of pride and community. The program offers a range of funding from $5,000 to $25,000.
Parks and Recreation Department staff recently applied for and was awarded a grant in the amount of $25,000 for the purpose of purchasing new laptops and accessories to implement computer and internet awareness classes at the Martin and Los Cerritos Elementary Schools’ REAL (Recreation, Enrichment and Learning) After School Programs as well as the Senior Services Program at Roberta Cerri Teglia Center. Classes with laptops will be offered to the students at the Los Cerritos Elementary School REAL Program beginning in early 2023, then brought to seniors at the Roberta Cerri Teglia Center during the summer of 2023, then to the Martin Elementary School REAL Program in fall of 2023. Following this computer literacy campaign, additional on-going STEM classes will be offered using this new equipment.
Staff intend to use the new laptops as resources for upcoming computer classes for each of these groups. According to the United States D--epartment of Commerce, internet access can help children become more creative and communicative as well as improve academic growth. Computer classes can also introduce educational skills, teach logical skills, increase self-esteem and self-confidence, and prepare children for future computer use. Over the past two decades, computer use among seniors has doubled and today, approximately 67% of seniors are using the internet, according to the Pew Research Center. While a more computer-literate population is trending in the positive direction, many older adults are still falling behind younger individuals when it comes to computer and internet use. Classes for both groups will focus on internet safety and awareness as well as basic computer skills (i.e., typing and document development software such as Microsoft Word or Excel).
FISCAL IMPACT
Acceptance of this grant has no impact to the general fund.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Acceptance of this funding will contribute to the second priority of the 2022 Strategic Plan to “Build and Maintain a Sustainable City grounded in racial and social equity” by helping to build a robust recreation program.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that City Council adopt a resolution approving the acceptance of a grant in the amount of $25,000 from Genentech's South San Francisco Community Fund for the Parks and Recreation Department’s Youth Enrichment Service’s REAL After School Program at Martin and Los Cerritos Elementary Schools and the Senior Services Program.
The Parks and Recreation Department appreciates contributions from individual community members, local organizations, and County/State/Federal partners that help continue and enhance the Department’s mission to provide opportunities for physical, cultural, and social well-being, protect and enhance the physical environment, and ensure the effective and efficient use of public facilities and open space.