Rachel Jones received her Masters in Architecture at UC Berkeley's College of Environmental Design (CED), and now runs the inventive architectural design practice, Vine Projects. While at the CED, she taught several design studios, including embARC Summer Design Academy, a summer studio for high school students. As an instructor, she saw firsthand how programs like embARC create a stepping stone to higher education in fields like architecture, design, and construction.
Eric and Rachel Jones have partnered with UC Berkeley's embARC Summer Design Academy to launch five annual scholarships for high-school students in their community to participate in the program. The scholarships provide full funding to students in need of financial support to attend the program, and by extension, to explore a career path in architecture and design. The program provides an intensive design studio education and the opportunity for portfolio development.
Read On, Sonoma empowers 2nd-6th graders across Sonoma County to become confident, lifelong readers. Literacy is a cornerstone of academic success, economic opportunity, and personal empowerment. Yet, children who are not proficient readers by 4th grade face a greater risk of dropping out of school, entering the prison system, or experiencing lifelong financial hardship. Many students, especially those from underserved communities, lack access to the tools, support, and encouragement needed to develop these skills. Read On, Sonoma addresses this gap through the Accelerated Reader Program, school-wide celebrations, personalized goals, and teacher support, turning reading into a rewarding experience for every student. Since its founding in 2022, participating students have tripled the number of books they read, improved comprehension, and advanced their reading levels.
As supporters of literacy and access to education, Eric and Rachel Jones are proud sponsors of Sheppard Elementary School for the 2025-2026 school year. Most students at Sheppard Elementary come from economically disadvantaged households and many are English language learners. The Foundation's sponsorship will help provide the tools, support, and encouragement needed for students to thrive. This partnership reflects Eric and Rachel's dedication to breaking down barriers, building confidence, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to shape their own future through literacy.
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