Community Generosity Powers $1,020,000 Commitment to STEAM+ in DMUSD
The Del Mar Schools Education Foundation (DMSEF) proudly presented the Del Mar Union School District with a $1,020,000 check during the May 27, 2026 meeting of the Del Mar Union School District Board of Trustees. The presentation was made by Sheena Sahni, DMSEF President for the 2025–2026 school year.
This incredible generosity of DMSEF donors and the community, reflects the ongoing commitment to enriching education for every student. The funds will help provide extra credentialed STEAM+ specialists throughout the district for the 2026–2027 school year, ensuring students continue to benefit from innovative, hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, and physical education.
DMSEF’s success is made possible through the support of parents, community members, and corporate partners whose contributions expand and enhance the district’s STEAM+ program. Together, these supporters are helping inspire creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning for students.
February 16, 2026
By Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune
Jogathons bring in over $450,000 for Del Mar Schools Education Foundation
In the first two months of the year, Del Mar Union School District students raced, jogged, walked, and logged laps of laughter at school jogathons, raising a little over $450,000 to benefit the Del Mar Schools Education Foundation’s efforts to support and expand the district’s STEAM+ program.
The foundation’s work is not yet done—they still have a shortfall of about $150,000 and will be working to close that gap by April to ensure that all students are able to receive the same level of STEAM + instruction next year and the same amount of joy, curiosity and wonder.
November 10, 2025
San Diego Union-Tribune
DMUSD STEAM+ Nights highlight student creativity, critical thinking
Throughout October the Del Mar Union School District hosted a series of STEAM+ Nights, offering a glimpse into the learning that happens each day in the STEAM+ disciplines of art, music, science, physical education and innovation technology. Each school held an evening of hands-on exploration in the five STEAM+ disciplines, all with a superhero twist.
According to a news release, families had the opportunity to learn side by side while discovering creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. Students experimented with superhero gliders, created music together and designed art with heart.
DMUSD’s commitment to providing STEAM+ instruction led by credentialed specialists is something that truly sets our district apart,” said Superintendent Marisa Janicek in the news release. “Our students benefit from teachers who are not only experts in their subject areas but who also inspire curiosity and creativity every day. STEAM+ represents the kind of learning that prepares students to think critically, collaborate, and innovate as they grow into future-ready learners.”
The Del Mar Schools Education Foundation plays a critical role in raising funds to help ensure all nine DMUSD campuses have credentialed specialists in each of the five STEAM+ disciplines.
These events showcase the specialists’ deep dedication to creating authentic learning experiences that engage students and families in meaningful learning, said Alison Fieberg, assistant superintendent of instructional services, in the news release. “Their thoughtful planning and countless hours of preparation brought each school’s event to life.”
September 7, 2025
San Diego Union-Tribune
Del Mar Union School District Students
Buck National Math Trends
A recent San Diego Union-Tribune article (September 7, 2025) highlights something extraordinary: while many districts across the nation are struggling with a widening math gender gap,
DMUSD students are excelling, with girls now outpacing boys in math for the first time.
The data shows that DMUSD is not just keeping pace but actually leading the way in closing and reversing the math gender gap. This success highlights the importance of supporting and sustaining STEAM+ programs.
From kindergarten through 6 grade, students engage in hands-on, real-world
projects — designing earthquake-resistant homes, coding and robotics
presentations, and exploring the connections between creativity and problem solving.
These experiences make learning approachable, exciting, and impactful. This success doesn’t happen by chance — it happens because of you. Additional STEAM+ programs exist only through the generosity of families. Together, we make a difference. When we invest in STEAM+, we’re not just funding programs — we’re funding futures. Contributing $800 per student (one-time or monthly) to helps keep STEAM+ strong and ensures DMUSD continues to lead the way in preparing our kids to thrive in math, science, and beyond.
June 16, 2025
Del Mar Schools Education Foundation (DMSEF) Grant to DMUSD STEAM+
The Del Mar Schools Education Foundation presented the Del Mar Union School District with a big check of $950,000 at the end of the school year. The grant will allow for an additional seven full-time STEAM+ teachers, specialists who guide student exploration and learning in the arts, science, physical education, Spanish and technology. Read more here
September 11, 2024
DMSEF CELEBRATES 25 YEARS FUNDING FOR STEAM+ PROGRAMS IN THE DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
This year, DMSEF is celebrating its 25th Anniversary supporting STEAM+ teachers. Since its founding in 2000, DMSEF has raised millions of dollars to fund the hiring of credentialed specialists in STEAM+ at the nine award-winning elementary schools within the Del Mar Union School District, thanks to the generosity of both residents and local businesses.
The Del Mar Schools Education Foundation was formed with the sole purpose of raising money to fund credentialed teachers in the areas of science, innovation & technology, art, music, and physical education from parents, community members, and corporations.
DMUSD Superintendent, Dr. Holly McClurg, praised DMSEF for supporting the school district. “From the very beginning, the Del Mar Schools Education Foundation has been a part of helping to enrich the lives of our students through enhanced learning experiences. In DMUSD, we continuously strive to be at the forefront of what our students need to excel, and for today’s generation that means the ability to think, innovate, and create. Through the contributions of parents and community, DMSEF has funded credentialed teachers at every school to complement our district’s outstanding educational program. DMSEF has had a profound and lasting impact on the lives of thousands of our DMUSD students, kindergarten through sixth grade, over the past 25 years.” said McClurg.
Current President of DMSEF, Sheena Sahni, emphasized, “The mission of the Foundation is to inspire our students to think, create and innovate a world that is bigger than what they currently experience. As Socrates, said “Education is the kindling of a flame, note the filling of a vessel.”
DMUSD relies on DMSEF to contribute 40% of the compensation for credentialed STEAM+ specialists each year due to the shortfall from state and local government funding to maintain the desired level of robust programs throughout the district. More information about DMSEF’s fundraising is at www.dmsef.org.
November 16, 2023
Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator!
DMSEF has been evaluated by Charity Navigator, the world’s largest and most trusted nonprofit evaluator, and earned a Four-Star Rating! This is the highest possible rating on Charity Navigator.
This milestone achievement for DMSEF couldn’t have happened without you and your support. Thank you for being part of our family as contributors, funders, and volunteers. Your trust and support helps us make a difference for STEAM+ education. Charity Navigator’s third-party accreditation validates our organization’s operational excellence.
You can learn more about Charity Navigator and our rating at https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/330925945.
August 1, 2023
DMSEF earns GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency
We are pleased to have earned the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency in 2023. This places DMSEF in the top 0.1% of nonprofits for providing information about our work. This seal reflects our commitment to share our story, tell our community how we operate, and how we plan to use the funds that are raised. It is our goal to be as transparent as possible about our operations, costs, and how we support DMUSD.
June 5, 2023
Del Mar Schools Education Foundation (DMSEF) Donation to DMUSD STEAM+
On behalf of the Del Mar School Education Foundation, Will Rhett, 2022-2023 DMSEF President,
presented the Del Mar Union School District with a check for $1,130,000 at the May 24, 2023 Del
Mar Union School District Governing Board of Trustees Meeting.
The DMSEF raised funds to provide certificated STEAM+ teachers for the 2023-2024 school year.
The District’s robust STEAM+ program is made possible in large part through donations from
parents, community members, and corporations. DMUSD students will benefit from the
generosity of donors who value the importance of the STEAM+ program.
October 17, 2022
Del Mar Times
Ashley Falls STEAM+ Night
Ashley Falls School students and parents participated in Ashley Falls STEAM+ Night Oct. 13. The event is an interactive night for families to explore the power of curiosity through STEAM+ learning opportunities set up by STEAM+ teachers. Read more here
June 12, 2022
Del Mar Times
Del Mar Schools Education Foundation donates $1.3 million to DMUSD STEAM+ program!
The DMSEF raised funds to provide certificated STEAM+ teachers for the 2022-2023 school year. The district’s robust STEAM+ program is made possible in large part through donations from parents, community members, and corporations. DMUSD students will benefit from the generosity of donors who value the importance of the STEAM+ program. Read more here
FEB. 23, 2022
Del Mar Times
Del Mar Schools Education Foundation Jogathons bring in over $625,000
The Del Mar Schools Education Foundation hosted its first traditional Jogathon in two years due to the pandemic. The students at all eight elementary schools in the Del Mar Union School District were thrilled to be able to run with their classmates, enjoy popsicles together on a warm day, and raise funds for STEAM+ specialists in science, technology, engineering, art, music, physical education and more. Read more here
July 22, 2021
DMSEF earns GuideStar’s Gold Seal of Transparency
The GuideStar Gold Seal of Transparency places Del Mar Schools Education Foundation in the top 5% of nonprofits for providing information about its work. This seal reflects our commitment to share our story, tell our community how we operate and how we plan to use funds that are donated. One of our goals is to be as transparent as possible about our operations, costs, and how we support the Del Mar Union School District.
July 14, 2021
DMSEF contributes $1.1 million to Del Mar Schools
Representatives from the Del Mar Schools Education Foundation presented a giant check for $1,130,000 to the Del Mar Union School District on June 30.
According to DMSEF President Phoebe Gardiner Katsell, even during a pandemic, the community came together to support schools, students and teachers.
The donation allows the district to hire specialists in science, technology, engineering, music, arts and PE across all eight school sites.
April 19, 2021
Del Mar Schools’ Jogathons bring in record-breaking $665,000!
The Del Mar Schools Education Foundation wrapped up its districtwide Jogathons last week with a lot of excited students and teachers. Even in an unusual year, the Del Mar Union School District community was able to raise a record-breaking $665,000 for STEAM+ programs for next year during their eight schools’ Jogathons.
March 22, 2021
Del Mar students get creative for this year’s Jogathon fundraiser
By Karen Billing, Del Mar Times
In this unusual year, the foundation took a new approach to the annual fundraiser. From March 1 through April 2, all students (both in person and Launch) could log fundraising minutes doing any activity that keeps them moving such as running, biking, practicing a sport or doing yoga.
November 25, 2020
Del Mar Times
Gelson’s provides support to Del Mar students, teachers and families through donation
Gelson’s, with San Diego locations in Del Mar, Carlsbad and Pacific Beach, recently announced a charitable donation to community neighbor the Del Mar Schools Education Foundation (DMSEF). The donation is made as part of the DMSEF’s fall giving campaign to support students, teachers and families, which is needed now more than ever.
July 23, 2020
Foundation presents $1.1M to district
The San Diego Union-Tribune, North County Community News
The Del Mar Schools Education Foundation, led by 2019-2020 foundation President Phoebe Katsell, recently presented the Del Mar Union School District with a check for $1.1 million. The foundation raised funds to provide 10 certificated STEAM+ teachers for the 2020-2021 school year. The district’s robust STEAM+ program is made possible in large part through donations from parents, community members and corporations. Visit dmsef.org.
June 3, 2020
DMUSD students take part in sustainable design challenge
By Karen Billing, Del Mar Times
The citywide design challenge drew submissions from professional designers, universities and K-12 students on the topics of creating a more sustainable city and promoting wellness amid COVID-19. The students from Sage Canyon, Carmel Del Mar and Del Mar Hills were the only elementary school projects to be showcased at the virtual summit.
February 12, 2020
It’s jogathon season in Del Mar Union School District
By Karen Billing, Del Mar Times
Del Mar Heights School kicked off the district’s jogathon season on Feb. 5. All eight schools in the Del Mar Union School District will hold jogathon fundraisers in February and March to support the Del Mar Schools Education Foundation.
So far this year the foundation has raised $621,670 of its $1.8 million goal. The $1.8 million target would allow the district to fully-fund STEAM+ programs, hiring specialists in science, technology, engineering, art, music, physical education and more.
July 3, 2019
Del Mar Schools Education Foundation has record-breaking year
By Karen Billing, Del Mar Times
The Del Mar Schools Education Foundation (DMSEF) had a “year like no other,” raising over $1.5 million for Del Mar Union School District schools. At the June 26 board meeting, DMSEF President Samantha Madhosingh presented a check for $1,377,000, the largest check that the foundation has been able to give since 2009. The gift will help the district fund about 12 STEAM+ credentialed teachers for the next school year in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art, music and physical education.
April 3, 2019
Del Mar Schools’ jogathons bring in record numbers
By Karen Billing, Del Mar Times
Del Mar Union School District (DMUSD) students have been racing laps and raising unprecedented funds at school jogathons to support specialists in STEAM + curriculum that includes the subjects of science, technology, engineering, arts, music, PE and more.
October 23, 2018
DMSEF to Raise $1.8 Million to Fully Fund STEAM+ Program in Del Mar Union Schools
The Del Mar Schools Education Foundation (DMSEF) has announced a $1.8 million annual fundraising goal to allow the Del Mar Union School District (the District) to hire enough credentialed specialists for a robust STEAM+ program.
May 4, 2017
DMSEF fundraising campaign extended to May 31
The Del Mar Schools Education Foundation (DMSEF) has received tremendous support from parents and the local community as it continues to raise funds for the salaries of STEAM+ specialists in the Del Mar Union School District (DMUSD). STEAM+ is the district’s focus on the integration of science, technology, art, music and physical education enrichment across the curriculum.
Having contributed $1.2 million to DMUSD last year, DMSEF was able to fund 40 percent of the STEAM+ specialists in the schools. Currently, the Foundation has raised just over $1 million and is looking for contributions to meet the current staffing requirements.
Del Mar Schools Education Foundation Fundraising Up
From the Del Mar Times
Del Mar Schools Education Foundation has raised $632,000 so far this school year, $8,000 ahead of where we3 were last year. Stay updated on our fundraising efforts and check out this great article from the Del Mar Times.
July 28, 2016
D.M. Schools Education Foundation Donates $1.27M
From The San Diego Union Tribune
Del Mar Schools Education Foundation President Ty Humes and Vice President of Marketing Andrew Zack recently presented the Del Mar Union School District a check for $1,270,000. The foundation raised funds to provide 14 certificated STEAM+ teachers for the 2016-17 school year. The district’s STEAM+ program is made possible through donations from parents, community members and corporations.