MARCUS A. FOSTER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE

VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD

Purpose & Selection Criteria

Purpose: The Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute through its Volunteer Service Award, honors and awards outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to the academic success of students in the Oakland Unified School District, volunteering their time, talents and resources in support of Oakland public schools. The Volunteer Service Award is part of the Institute’s Awards and Recognition program which publicly honors teachers, administrators and members of the community who have promoted standards of educational excellence in Oakland public schools.

Background: As the newly appointed Oakland Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Marcus A. Foster embarked on an aggressive and visionary course to engage the entire Oakland community in the education process. By prescribing a course of action in which parents, students, business and community representatives could effectively and actively participate, Dr. Foster hoped to create meaningful and sustainable community-based partnerships with Oakland public schools. It is in this spirit that Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute awards volunteers who personify the ideals of Dr. Foster.

Awards: Award recipients are publicly honored by the Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute Board of Directors at an annual awards ceremony. Honorees receive an award in recognition of their service.

Eligibility: An individual or community-based organization whose volunteer efforts have
contributed significantly to the academic success of Oakland public school
students. Only one award is issued annually.

Selection Criteria: Nominees will be selected by a review panel appointed by the Institute and
selected as the award recipient based upon the following criteria:

• Extraordinary Contributions: MAFEI is seeking nominees who have volunteered significant time, resources and talent(s) to support OUSD students. Nominees may have served as mentors, academic tutors or provided significant tools or resources to help students achieve academic success and/or contribute significantly to their personal development.
• Community Mobilization and Advocacy: MAFEI is seeking nominees who have demonstrated great resolve in mobilizing resources and individuals in support of Oakland public schools. Through effective networking and due diligence, nominees have provided exemplary service to students, teachers and school sites to promote safe and healthy learning environments for students at schools and in the community.
• Commitment: MAFEI is seeking nominees who have contributed a significant amount of
  time, particularly in light of personal demands resulting from work, family
  or civic responsibilities. Nominees are highly respected by OUSD staff and students for their sincere commitment to supporting Oakland public schools.

Deadline: The Institute must receive nomination application (to be completed on-line); nomination cover sheet and nominee's resume,(mailed or faxed) no later than June 29th, 2007. To obtain copies of the Distinguished Educator nomination forms, please visit the Institute’s website, www.mafei.org. For more information, please contact the Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute, 510/ 835-0391.

Award Notification: Awardees and their nominators will be notified on August 6th, 2007.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD NOMINATION FORM