Category: AEF in the News

Junior Engineer after school enrichment STEM class

Junior Engineer Enrichment Class Jump Starts STEM Learning

One of AEF’s favorite STEM after school enrichment classes in the fall of 2025 was Junior Engineer – described as a hands-on adventure in engineering and space exploration. Kids dove into projects –  like aviation, space science, and engineering. From building models of the solar system to experimenting with compass headings, students learned by doing—building, asking questions, and testing real-world engineering concepts. The program was designed to inspire the next generation of innovators, showing kids that they have what it takes to become future engineers,

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Fall Sports Wrap Up

The Asteroids Cross Country team just finished their final meet of the season and we’re so proud of all our runners. We had a very competitive team this year with many of our runners placing in the top ten finishers at every meet this season. Thank you to our coaches and the fabulous Asteroid families for all your support. We hope all the Asteroids enjoyed their time on the team and look forward to seeing them back out for our Track &

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Steve Ashbaker from Outfront Endurance donates to AEF

Thank You Island Running Festival!

AEF is sending a big thank you to Event Producer Steve Ashbaker for donating 15% of the proceeds from this year’s Island Running Festival, plus 100% of directed donations at registration, to  AEF programs. Several AEF staff ran in the event, and members of the AEF Board volunteered at the race.

The Island Running Festival was held on September 21, 2025. This event is sponsored annually by the Bank of Marin and features a half marathon,

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AEF at Alameda Pride in the Park

AEF at Alameda Pride in the Park

Come and see AEF’s booth at the Alameda Pride in the Park Festival on October 11, 2025!

WHEN: Saturday, October 11, 2025 from noon to 5 PM
WHERE: Chochenyo Park, 2430 Encinal Avenue, Alameda

We’ll have our ever popular spinning wheel for prizes – a big hit with the kids! We’ll also have information on our programs supporting the LGTBQ+ community in our schools including our inclusive Middle School sports program, our Teacher Mini Grants including ones that support mental health and LGTBQ+ programs at AUSD schools,

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Track & Field relay

AEF’s Impact on Students and Teachers in 2024-25

As the summer winds down and the new school year kicks off, we like to reflect on the successes of the past year. All of us at AEF – board, staff and volunteers – are honored to serve such a diverse and vibrant community in ways that make a real impact.

The 2024-25 school year was an incredible one for AEF, filled with programs and support that made a difference for students and teachers across the district.

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Asteroids Cross Country team

What’s New for Cross Country This Fall

Starting this year, AEF’s Asteroids Cross Country program will be a part of the Middle School sports program. The program – previously run under AEF Enrichment – is open to students enrolled in Alameda Unified and Charter public middle schools grades 6th-8th. The Alameda Asteroids is unlike AEF’s other middle school sports because it provides a unique opportunity for student-athletes to compete together on one team representing Alameda against other middle schools in the league.

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AEF Executive Director Julia Owens

AEF Executive Director Featured in Island Podcast

AEF Executive Director, Julia Owens, was interviewed by Island City Beat‘s Angie Watson-Hajjem (who is also a former AEF Board member) in July 2025. Here’s Julia’s introduction:

In January Julia Owens took over as head of the 40-year-old organization that has stepped in where school funding for many activities has been cut. She comes from a background in non-profits focused on children’s needs, and is excited about continuing AEF’s vital work in Alameda.

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