At the Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF), we believe every student in San Diego County deserves an education that prepares them not just for tomorrow, but for a lifetime of thriving. The 2024-25 school year has been a testament to this belief, filled with groundbreaking events that sparked innovation, forged vital partnerships, and directly impacted thousands of young lives.
These incredible moments were all powered by YOU and YOUR DONATIONS.
As we close our fiscal year, we’re reflecting on the profound ripple effect of your generosity. We’re also looking forward, with a crucial goal in mind—to raise $5,000 to fuel even more transformative programs and opportunities in the coming year. Every dollar brings us closer to a future where every student can reach their full potential.
Ready to see the magic you helped create, and join us in shaping what’s next?
A Year of Innovation in Action: CFF’s 2024-25 Event Highlights
1. Supe Tank 4.0 – October 24, 2024: Where Big Ideas Ignited Real Change!
Remember the electric energy of “Shark Tank”? Imagine that, but for education, with superintendents pitching groundbreaking ideas that directly benefit our students! On October 24, 2024, CFF hosted Supe Tank 4.0 at the University of San Diego, a dynamic forum where school leaders shared their most innovative programs.
- Pitches for Progress: Superintendents from across San Diego County presented visionary projects, seeking partnerships to bring fresh ideas to life.
- Mentorship in Motion: In a “The Voice”-inspired twist, veteran leaders like Ben Churchill, Karl Mueller, and Dr. Leighangela Brady mentored new presenters, fostering collaborative growth.
- Real-World Impact: Past Supe Tanks have led to incredible outcomes, including one district securing a $100,000 investment for their initiative.
- A Warm Welcome: The event also served as a special reception to introduce Dr. Gloria Ciriza, the new Superintendent of Schools for the San Diego County Office of Education, fostering vital community connections.
This powerful showcase of leadership and collaboration was presented by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and generously hosted by the University of San Diego’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences, alongside many other dedicated sponsors.
Click to view all Supe Tank 4.0 Photos!
2. CFF’s 8th Annual “College and Career Pathways Summit” – February 27, 2025: Charting Futures, Unlocking Potential!
On February 27, 2025, the beautiful National University Scripps Ranch campus buzzed with purpose as CFF hosted our 8th Annual “College and Career Pathways Summit.” This event brought together education, business, and community leaders to chart the course for our students’ futures, focusing on College and Career Readiness (CCR) and Career and Technical Education (CTE).
- Connecting Minds: Over 180 leaders convened for vital conversations about the skills our graduates need for tomorrow’s workforce.
- Student Voices, Powerful Impact: A truly moving highlight was our panel of Career Technical Education (CTE) students. They shared their firsthand experiences, offering invaluable insights into navigating high school and choosing their paths. As Chris G shared, “Loved the student panel moderated by Alexander Becker as well!” Their stories powerfully underscored the critical importance of robust pathways.
- Actionable Insights: Following the inspiring student panel, data-driven breakout sessions offered concrete strategies for addressing workforce needs and leveraging available resources.
- Collaboration at its Best: The summit fostered networking, allowing attendees to connect with exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge CTE solutions, all driven by a shared commitment to student success.
View 163 photos from the 8th Annual “College and Career Pathways Summit” here!
3. CFF’s 22nd Annual “Innovation in Education Awards” – May 15, 2025: A Night of Stars, A Celebration of Tomorrow!
The grand finale of our event calendar, and truly a highlight of the year, was our 22nd Annual “Innovation in Education Awards” on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the breathtaking SeaWorld San Diego’s Nautilus Pavilion. This premiere event is San Diego County’s most significant celebration of innovative educators and brilliant students.
- Honoring Trailblazers: We celebrated seven distinguished awardees—from visionary leaders and innovative school teams to groundbreaking CTE and STEAM programs, and impactful business and community partners. Each award was a testament to the dedication that reshapes education and prepares our students to thrive globally.
- Investing in Dreams: The heart of the night beat strongest as we celebrated our 2025 Academic Achievement Scholarship Winners. These phenomenal young individuals, poised on the cusp of their college and career journeys, embody the very future we’re working to build. Their stories, like Angely Najera’s mission to empower other young women, are powerful reminders of the direct impact of your support.
- Fueling Potential: Through these scholarships and our grant programs, CFF was able to direct a significant amount back into the educational community, directly funding promising students and transformative programs.
- Transformation in Action: As Alexis Overstreet eloquently put it, “There’s something special about leaders who don’t just pitch ideas, they bring them to life with students at the center. This is what transformation looks like.” This perfectly captured the spirit of the evening.
Your Generosity Powers Our Impact: Help Us Reach Our $5,000 Goal!
These three cornerstone events are just a snapshot of the transformative work your donations make possible. Every contribution, big or small, helps CFF continue to champion innovative learning environments and directly empowers students and educators across San Diego County.
By investing in CFF, you are:
- Enhancing Educational Opportunities: Directly improving the quality of education and fostering innovative learning environments.
- Building a Skilled Workforce: Contributing to the development of a knowledgeable and adaptable workforce for tomorrow.
- Addressing Educational Disparities: Bridging achievement gaps and providing equal opportunities for all students.
- Strengthening Our Community: A robust education system benefits everyone, fostering pride and investment in our county’s future.
- Fostering Collaboration: Becoming part of a powerful network of individuals and organizations dedicated to educational excellence.
We need your help to continue this vital work. Your support allows us to host these impactful events, provide crucial grants, and award life-changing scholarships to deserving students.
Our goal is to raise $5,000 to ensure we can expand our reach and deepen our impact in the coming year. Can you help us reach it today?
Click here to make your impactful donation now!
Thank you for being a vital part of the Classroom of the Future Foundation community. Your unwavering support of CFF and education in San Diego County has made a profound difference in the lives of our students and educators for over 25 years.