We’re shining the spotlight on 49ers EDU, one of our longstanding community partners. It is incredible to see what can happen when two organizations share similar visions to see youth succeed in education.
Established in 2014, the 49ers EDU gave the 49ers organization the platform to expand its impact and involvement with the 49ers Academy from a fundraising arm to a deep and meaningful partnership with our students and teachers. The partnership with the 49ers Academy is unlike any other program or partnership 49ers EDU has.
49ers EDU creates meaningful and relevant experiences for Bay Area youth through informal education by leveraging football as a platform to connect, engage and inspire students in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). While 49ers EDU works with many schools throughout the year, their partnership with the 49ers Academy is unique. 49ers EDU brings their innovative program out of the stadium and into the 49ers Academy school community to provide STEAM experiences and social-emotional activities for 49ers Academy students. 49ers EDU staff builds organic friendships with 49ers Academy students that develop into meaningful mentoring relationships. 49ers EDU staff expand on conversations and learnings throughout the year that result in increased skills and confidence in our students.
“The 49ers Academy is my favorite group to work with, hands down! The 49ers Academy feels like home. I feel connected to the students because they are a reflection of my friends and family. Whether it is at school or home, I can relate to the ecosystem they are living in. I can see them trying to understand the world around them and find their place in it as I did.â€
- Sofy Navarro, Senior Manager, 49ers EDU
While the pandemic threw a curveball in our regular plans, 49ers EDU quickly shifted with the needs of our students to provide programs and support virtually, including hosting several Career Exploration Panels. The Career Exploration Panels featured panelists from different departments in the 49ers front office. They helped our students learn about different career choices and expand their idea of what is possible for their future.
We’re so grateful for the partnership with 49ers EDU. Through their consistent investment, 49ers EDU has shown our 49ers Academy students the power of believing in themselves and helped them envision a path towards success.
