San Clemente Educational Foundation (SCEF) was founded in 1997 by a group of parents, teachers, alumni and community member who recognized a need to provide supplemental funding in support of academic programs at San Clemente High School (SCHS). Our Founders’ goal was “World Class Education” at SCHS. Our high school has always been excellent by any measure, but state funding has never been adequate to support everything that could be done to help students succeed academically. SCEF was formed to bridge the funding gap between available state funds and what our students need to be the best. To that end, a 501C-3 Non-Profit Corporation was formed, and Bylaws were drafted that continue to guide our activities to this day.

The Founding Board agreed to a process that tasks San Clemente High School Administrators and Faculty with prioritizing the programs and services to be funded, within the framework of an annual budget tied to our planned fundraising capability. This structure assures that we receive the maximum educational value for the funds raised. We have always been a 100% volunteer organization with no administrative overhead costs.

Our Foundation has grown and prospered throughout our two decades of existence, thanks to the generosity of the San Clemente Community and the dedication of our all-volunteer Board. The success of our fundraising is a clear testament to the importance placed on great schools by our community. While SCEF was the first educational foundation in our area, several middle and elementary schools that are SCHS “feeder” schools now also have successful educational foundations. We believe we have sown the seeds, but there is so much more to be done! With the continuing support of our community, we are pledged to continue to grow the scope and success of our programs.