Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Lisa Gauthier, District 4
Subject: Grant to Support Development of StreetCode Academy’s Innovation Pods Learning Campus
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution:
A) Authorizing a grant to StreetCode Academy in an amount not to exceed $400,000 to support the development of StreetCode Academy; and
B) Authorizing and directing the President of the Board of Supervisors to execute a grant agreement with StreetCode Academy for the term June 23, 2026 through October 31, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $400,000; and
C) Authorizing the County Executive, or designee(s), in consultation with the County Attorney, to negotiate and execute and any related documents with StreetCode Academy and/or designated implementing partner(s) to support the Innovation Pods Learning Campus project development and programming.
body
BACKGROUND:
StreetCode Academy is a community-based organization based in East Palo Alto that has served the community for over a decade, providing culturally responsive, hands-on technology education and workforce development programming.
StreetCode Academy’s Innovation Pods Learning Campus will transform approximately 6,500 square feet of underutilized land into a permanent, community-centered learning campus designed to expand access to technology, innovation, and career pathways (“Project”).
Built using modular construction, the Project will create flexible spaces for learning, collaboration, and creative exploration, including classrooms, a makerspace, and technology-enabled environments. When completed, the Project is expected to increase StreetCode Academy’s reach from approximately 3,000 students annually to up to 14,000 community members each year.
The total Project budget is approximately $1.5 million, encompassing site infrastructure, furniture, fixtures and equipment, technology, and initial operational costs. To date, StreetCode Academy has secured $700,000 for the Project, and an additional $400,000 is available through a matching grant, contingent upon StreetCode Academy closing the remaining funding gap of $400,000.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed County grant of up to $400,000 (“Grant”) would play a critical role in advancing the Project to completion.
Of total Grant amount, $400,000 would support capital development costs, including structural engineering, architectural design, and procurement of four modular learning pods, three classroom pods and one makerspace pod, and the purchase of essential hardware, tools, technology, and specialized equipment for the makerspace.
The County’s investment would help to close the Project's remaining funding gap while unlocking the additional $400,000 matching grant, maximizing the impact of County resources.
Once completed, the Project will provide a dedicated space for workforce readiness, STEM education, entrepreneurship, and student innovation, creating long-term educational and economic opportunities for young people, families, and seniors in San Mateo County.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The County’s Grant will help StreetCode Academy expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive technology education and digital literacy opportunities for San Mateo County residents. By providing hands-on learning experiences, workforce development programming, and exposure to emerging technologies, the Project will create pathways to economic mobility, strengthen workforce readiness, and equip residents of all ages with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Grant in an amount not to exceed $400,000 would be funded through a General Fund appropriation in Non-Departmental Services or other available funds, which funds are included in the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget.