SEI Statement on AmeriCorps Funding Cuts to CCEO

Dear Friends and Supporters of SEI:

It is with a heavy heart that I share the difficult news that our AmeriCorps grant, which supported SEI’s Climate Corps Education Outside program, was canceled without notice, along with 1,000 other program grants nationwide. This vital program has brought garden-based education to more than 10,000 children in San Francisco and San Mateo Counties each year since 2019. As a result, we face the heartbreaking reality that 29 dedicated garden educators — individuals who have inspired curiosity, nurtured growth, and built community in Bay Area school gardens — will be losing their jobs. 

Despite this sudden and immediate loss of AmeriCorps funding, we are currently able to retain our 29 Fellows until May 15 through alternative funding sources. Our goal is to extend this timeline so that students, teachers, and Fellows can experience as much closure and stability as possible. We are urgently calling on our community for emergency support to help bridge this gap.

Donate Here

Your generosity will make a direct impact. With $30,000, we could extend the fellowships for an additional week. With $60,000, we could extend until the end of May. Would you please help us extend our garden educator fellowships by one or more weeks? Every little bit helps. Please donate to SEI today through May 15, and your donation will be dedicated to CCEO. 

We are deeply grateful for your support and thank you for believing in our mission and the power of community action. 

In gratitude, 
Cyane Dandridge