Pleasanton Partnerships in Education Foundation (PPIE) is a community-based nonprofit that works to enhance education for students of the Pleasanton Unified School District through a partnership of business, education, and the community. PPIE is moving to Hacienda this summer in tandem with the Pleasanton Unified School District, which is relocating its primary facility to Hacienda and has offered PPIE space within its new office.

Since 1987, PPIE has supported all 15 public Pleasanton schools and their thousands of students and hundreds of staff members by providing supplemental staffing, including librarians, site technology specialists, and an intervention specialist. It also provides innovative grants and opportunities for community engagement thanks to support and donations from local families, community leaders, foundations, and business partners. After the 2008 economic crisis, the Pleasanton school district asked PPIE to raise additional funds for critical programs, according to the nonprofit. PPIE Foundation now serves some 14,000 students annually and supports over 800 teachers and administrators. 

"In the past ten years, PPIE has grown significantly in support of our schools," says Andrea Wilson, who became Executive Director in January. "Organizations like ours are very necessary as the state of California's school funding model gives districts like ours less to work with. We are unique in that we help bridge funding gaps for our schools and our students that are not met by state funding and taxes as they are in other parts of the country."

Every year, PPIE hosts a State of the School District event. There the Pleasanton Unified School District Superintendent presents a formal address on the State of the School District, highlighting the achievements of Pleasanton schools and the important school programs behind those achievements. Each spring, PPIE hosts the annual Run for Education. Its signature community event draws more than 3,000 participants, spectators, and volunteers. Over the course of the last 11 years, the Run for Education has raised nearly $1 million to support public education in Pleasanton.
"We have wonderful company sponsors each year, as it's a great way to support our schools," notes Wilson. "We also offer sponsorship for our grants program. A company can sponsor student and teacher grants, and get their company name added to them."

Since 1987, PPIE has raised more than $8 million dollars for Pleasanton schools through corporate donations and community fundraising. In addition to the Run for Education, PPIE also hosts an annual Fall Gala. This year the event will take place on October 13 at Castlewood Country Club. All net proceeds will support PPIE programs. The 2023 gala will include a reception with school principals and free wine pours prior to a delicious sit-down dinner. High school students will provide live music and performances.

"We welcome sponsorships and the donation of silent and live auction items for the Fall Gala," says Wilson, who adds that "education foundations are instrumental in supporting our schools here in California."

For more information about Pleasanton Partnerships in Education Foundation, please visit ppie.org and www.facebook.com/PleasantonPartnershipsInEducation.