Revisions to the Silicon Valley Impact Grant Program
Please review the following investment areas with care, as the requirements for the Silicon Valley Impact Grant Program were substantially revised in September 2009.
K-8 Programs (Access to Education)
Cisco's strategy is to support the creation and deployment of Internet solutions which enable underserved primary school aged children to master a baseline of educational knowledge in mathematics, literacy, science, engineering and technology. The rational behind this approach is that children that have mastered core curriculum in primary school have the foundation to succeed in secondary school and beyond. Please note:
• Program must impact an audience greater than 65% economically underserved, relative to the average standards of the target geography.
• Programs should enrich existing core curriculum and offer collaboration with teachers to insure that the program leverages California State curricular standards set for schools, are sustainable, and can track student progress/achievements via clearly defined metrics.
• Priority consideration is given to programs that can be replicated through use of technology and offer online resources for students, teachers and parents
We no longer accept applications for Arts programs. Also, we do not provide direct funding to public/private schools, charter schools, school districts, school foundations or parent/booster clubs.
Adult Vocational Programs (Economic Empowerment)
The Silicon Valley Impact Grant program supports adult vocational programs that benefit underserved populations and address the following:
• Program must impact an audience greater than 65% economically underserved, relative to the average standards of the target geography.
• Program should demonstrate benefit to underserved adults through technical training or other clearly defined work re-entry skills development.
• Programs should be sustainable, track re-entry/job retention and place a majority of clients within the business community geographically defined as within a 50 mile radius of Cisco's San Jose Headquarters.
• Priority is given to programs that can be replicated through use of technology and offer online resources for adult student clients and/or instructors.
Health Programs (Critical Human Needs)
The Silicon Valley Impact Grant program supports health-related programs that benefit underserved populations and address the following:
• Program must impact an audience greater than 65% economically underserved, relative to the average standards of the target geography.
• Improve access to quality of local health care and client services
• Train health care workers
• Children's health services and/or children's health education
• Priority is given to health programs that can be replicated through use of technology and offer online resources for clients and/or healthcare workers.
