South SFV Today

The Office of Community Engagement has announced its support for 19 collaborative projects in the Bay Area, developed between community organizations and Stanford entities. These initiatives cover a range of topics including healthcare access, water affordability, career exposure, and local history understanding. One notable project is an intergenerational arts, technology, and leadership co-learning effort in East Palo Alto and Cleveland, Ohio, which provides access to Stanford courses.

In San Mateo County, efforts include developing an educational training curriculum for school personnel to recognize and respond to teen substance abuse. Another project aims to facilitate business between small farmers and institutional buyers to increase the availability of locally grown produce in institutions.

“Projects like these deepen collaboration between Stanford and local organizations in support of Stanford’s mission,” said Megan Swezey Fogarty, Stanford senior associate vice president for community engagement. “When people work together over time, it builds trust and improves the communities where we work and live.”

Additional projects aim to introduce young people to careers in STEM fields, healthcare, environmental work, and science research. The Noches Astronómicas initiative will feature Spanish-speaking scientists from Stanford’s Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology sharing career paths that may be unfamiliar to local students and their parents. Another project seeks solutions to reduce pill theft from unhoused individuals while improving their medication adherence.

For detailed information on all 19 projects receiving OCE Community Engagement Impact Program funds, visit the 2025 Community Engagement Impact Projects page.