Photograph by Adrianna Alvarez
Equity School Partnership Project
About
Through our Equity School Partnership Project (ESPP), we work hand in hand with community-based artists, museum educators, and K–5 teachers and students to co-develop customized arts curricula and programming. The goal of ESPP is to create an experience that:
- Centers students
- Is culturally responsive
- Supports social emotional learning (SEL)
- Builds community
The six-week program includes:
- A two-day curriculum-planning workshop at the de Young, where you will view the galleries and special exhibitions (alongside museum staff and a community artist)
- Five in-class art sessions (60–90 minutes) at the school site (all art material included)
- One free museum field trip with customized art instruction and guided gallery tours (with free transportation to and from the de Young and / or Legion of Honor)
All ESPP students, teachers, and families are invited to participate in de Youngsters Day Out, our annual youth and family event (with free transportation included to and from the de Young).
ESPP partners (2023–24 school year)
- San Francisco Public Montessori
- Ulloa Elementary School
- Tenderloin Community Elementary School
- Cesar Chavez Elementary
- Dr. George Washington Carver Elementary School
- Joseph Lee Recreation Center
- Greenleaf Elementary School
Are you an elementary school teacher interested in partnering with us?
We invite San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) elementary teachers and their students to participate in ESPP.
The application period for the 2023–24 school year has passed. SFUSD and OUSD teachers who are interested in participating can reach out to Adrianna Alvarez, manager of school and family partnerships, at aalvarez@famsf.org.
Are you a Bay Area artist interested in working with us?
We are seeking community-based artists who have experience working with K–5 students and are interested in collaborating with museum staff and teachers to co-develop customized arts curricula and programming. Community artists who are interested in participating can apply here. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Contact us
For additional information, please reach out to Adrianna Alvarez, manager of school and family partnerships, at aalvarez@famsf.org.
Read more about ESPP
Feedback from teachers + students
The Equity School Partnership Project (ESPP) is a remarkable endeavor that not only provides vital in-classroom resources but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among students and their families through the medium of art. ESPP’s ability to seamlessly integrate classroom learning with creative expression allows students to create meaningful projects, such as a collaborative book my students were able to do, while events like de Youngsters Day Out provide a platform for parents to share in their children’s educational journey, making it an enriching experience for all.
Ms. Eliza (2nd-grade teacher at Cesar Chavez Elementary)
ESPP was a wonderful experience for myself, students, and families! From collaborating with a local artist in the classroom to visiting the deYoung (for some students it was their first time in San Francisco!). Students truly had an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of art and connect their art pieces back to their community.
Ms. Jasmine Alexander (5th-grade teacher at Ascend Elementary)
My mom said that we will go back to the museum, since we didn’t finish looking at everything.
2nd-grade student at Cesar Chavez Elementary
ESPP is made possible by
Lead Sponsor
State of California Natural Resources Agency
de Youngsters Day Out Supporters
Significant Support
Diana Dollar Knowles Foundation
The William Randolph Hearst Foundation
Koret Foundation
Generous Support
Bank of America
Winifred Johnson Clive Foundation
Charles D. and Frances K. Field Fund
John and Marcia Goldman Foundation
Additional Support is provided by US Bank.