A BRIEF HISTORY
& where we go from here
We began in 1996 with a belief that through the building of personal relationships, equity, and opportunity, we could lift and transform the historically underserved communities of East Palo Alto. Now Twenty Five Years later, the success of the San Francisco 49ers Academy has validated this belief and nurtured over 5000 students-giving them opportunities they never could have experienced without this amazing program....
The beginning: The Academy officially opens
in partnership with the Ravenswood City School District and the San Francisco 49ers, the 49ers Academy opened as an alternative program for boys serving 90 students. The Academy aimed to close the achievement gap by bringing programs and services directly to students on-site at school.
1996
Hats off to the graduating class of 1997!
The 49ers Academy celebrated our first graduating class of 8th graders and started welcoming girls into our program. Graduations are a vital milestone for our students and their 49ers Academy is here to support them every step!
1997
The Academy goes co-ed
To kick off the new decade, the 49ers Academy merged our boys’ and girls' programs to best support our community. Since then, the 49ers Academy has served thousands of students through one innovative program located on-site at school.
2000
Washinton D.C., here we come!
The 49ers Academy took the first group of students on an enrichment trip to Washington D.C.! Enrichment opportunities like this give our students experiences that go beyond the classroom. From field trips to college campus tours, we have many experiences to offer our students!
2001
Moving Day: Relocation to Costano
The 49ers Academy blends into Costaño School. The Academy built strong partnerships with school district leaders, philanthropic organizations, and community agencies to deliver an innovative program that gives youth a path to long-term success at Costaño School.
2007
8-80 Zone Opens its Doors
Launched by Jerry Rice and Steve Young, the 49ers Academy opens the 8-80 zones offering students media, technology, and gaming programs. The center gave students a place for creative expression and experimentation in careers like television and graphic design!
2008
Special visit from the Dalai Lama
Of all the schools to visit, the Dalai Lama chose the 49ers Academy. What an honor! From the Dalai Lama in 2010 to Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, hosting an “Autograph for Education” event at the Academy in 2004, the 49ers Academy loves opening its doors to such guests of honor!
2010
Academy Hires First Alumni Staff
The Academy hires our first student alum as a staff member. Our alumni staff members can uniquely understand students’ barriers. Having someone on staff that students can easily connect with makes them feel so much more comfortable and confident.
2012
High School Program Launched
Discovering the growing need for high school transition services, the Academy developed its High School Program– creating a powerful support pipeline to keep our students in school, on track to graduate, and prepared for post-secondary endeavors. To learn more…
2013
Hands-On Media Experience at Super Bowl 50
If Super Bowl 50 wasn’t exciting enough, our 49ers Academy students had an amazing, hands-on media opportunity to participate in the 8-80 Fan Energy Zone in downtown San Francisco. Check out the video to see our students in action as the featured youth media team!
2016
Hosted Harlem Globetrotters
It was a special day at the 49ers Academy when the Harlem Globetrotters visited our students! That same year, the California State Lottery featured us in their “Making the Grade” series on community partners. Check out the video to learn more about the feature!
2017
The Giving Center is Open!
The 49ers Academy has always wrapped around families to support student success in schools. One of the intricate parts of student success is ensuring that basic needs are met. Our Giving Center is on-site at CCRMS and provides access to clothing, shoes, school supplies, hygiene products, and more!
2017
We moved to CCRMS!
We moved to Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School (CCRMS), offering multiple programs and services to 6th-8th graders. Our Middle School Program offers academic skill-building, socio-emotional learning, enrichment opportunities, and more! Click here to learn more
2019
Family & Student Support Program Launch
The impacts of COVID-19 hit our community hard. The key objective of the Family & Student Support Program is to help empower students and families to meet their basic needs during times of hardship and to work towards long-term stability and upward mobility. Learn more.
2020
Transition of Leadership
After 25 years of leadership and commitment to East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park communities, founder Michele Sharkey stepped down from her role as Executive Director. Former Deputy Director, Tahisha Victor, was promoted as the next Executive Director of the 49ers Academy. Learn more...
2020
Celebrating 25 Years
The Academy re-designs its program model. After 25 years, the Academy has gone beyond its potential. We now have three robust programs, creating equitable access to education and opportunities and are equipped with self-advocacy skills and social-emotional wellness for success in school and life
2022
