From its inception, EPACS relied on involvement from the community. East Palo Alto Charter School is grateful for the generous support and commitment from our volunteers, families, donors, community partners and corporate sponsors — we would not be here without your help.

Our supporters generously donate time and money to EPACS because they believe you shouldn't have to live in a "rich" district to have an enriching education.

Tutoring, fundraising, clean up efforts — our volunteers are ready to jump in and help with the big and the mundane because they believe in the students and the school. Read about our volunteers and get inspired to help.

Every Tuesday afternoon, you can find John Tanner pouring over math books with middle school students. A veteran volunteer since 1999, John found out about EPACS through a friend in the Stanford Water Polo team. "He kept talking about this amazing school where a couple of alum friends were teaching, and I was fascinated and impressed by the school from the start," John said. To this day, he is drawn to the school's passion and commitment: "I enjoy the teachers and staff and the environment they create. Everyone at the school cares passionately about the students and the mission of the school."

John is committed to helping the school prepare kids for college an'd for life-long learning opportunities. "I work in athletics, an enterprise that is both competitive and educational, and so I appreciate the school's focus on excellence and ongoing commitment to improvement," John says. To the future volunteers, John offers a piece of advice: "Any student you work with will be delighted to see you walk in the classroom, as will his or her teacher."

Margaret started volunteering at EPACS in January 2006 through the Junior League, and got so hooked on working with the students that she continued on after her assignment was over. "The faculty is fabulous; committed to bringing out the best in their students, and talented and energetic. Being on campus is a treat," Margaret says. "You can feel the energy and excitement. The staff believes in their kids which makes the kids believe in themselves."

You can find Margaret in the library twice a week, working with students on finding interesting books and searching information for school reports. Outside the school, Margaret raises funds for the library to buy more books and remodel and expand the facility. The biggest motivation for working with EPACS for Margaret is seeing the kids fall in love with reading: "My favorite moments are when the students get really excited over new books in the library. My hope is to have all of the children get bitten by the bug of reading for pleasure."

East Palo Alto Charter School depends on the generous support and contributions of benefactors like you. Learn more about various volunteering and giving opportunities at EPACS and get in touch with us today.

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