SANTA MONICA/MALIBU—The Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation (SMMEF), whose mission is “to engage the community to invest in a vibrant educational experience for all students in the Santa Monica and Malibu public schools,” received a $100,000 donation from Malibu-based company, Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corporation.

SMMEF was established in 1982, by a group of parents, community leaders, and local business owners, in response to “devastating” federal and state education budget cuts.

The Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp. is “the leading provider of credit building and credibility solutions for businesses,” according to their website.

This contribution will support SMMEF’s “Vision For Student Success (VSS)” campaign, which provides for students a “comprehensive set of programs designed to improve student achievement and success.”

Among the programs included in the VSS campaign are:

  • A comprehensive visual and performing arts programs for every elementary school student
  • Highly-trained instructional assistants to help teachers with students in small group intervention and enrichment
  • Additional class periods personalized by the Principal for each middle and high school
  • A full-time literacy coach at each elementary school to work with teachers
  • High-quality professional development programs selected by each school’s professional development team and resources to choose professional development programs that will serve their students.
  • Discretionary funds to create and retain academic enrichment programs unique to its school communities

SMMEF states that it is dedicated to creating a “safe, culturally responsive classroom for every student to learn and succeed.” Rachel Faulkner, SMMEF’s Associate Director, explained to Canyon News that a culturally responsive classroom is one which “ensures every child is receiving an excellent education no matter what a student’s background is.” She added, “we want to make sure that we as a district are being responsive to every child’s learning needs and success. “

Dun & Bradstreet Credibility’s donation was facilitated by the firm’s EdAhead program, which supports educational intitiatives in the communities where their offices are located. This is the second year the company has made a contribution to the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, which has brought the total amount donated to a quarter of a million dollars.

The company also provides financial support to schools located in North Carolina, New Jersey, and Arizona as well.