Formative Foundation

The Formative Foundation concept was conceived in 2019 as a vehicle to support broader STEAM initiatives beyond the DPEA.

A $16M Capital Campaign resulted in two new 12,000 sq. ft. buildings, and the Formative Foundation is now supporting project-based STEAM learning in several new ways across our local community and beyond:

  • Elementary School Field Trips

  • Elementary School STEAM Project Deployment

  • Elementary School Teacher Professional Development

  • Elementary School STEAM Curriculum Development

  • Elementary STEAM Consortium

  • STEAM Curriculum & Facilities Consulting

  • Development / Fundraising Strategies Consulting

The Formative Foundation has also expanded its geographical reach with clients in other parts of California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. We have worked with international clients from Indonesia, Australia, and Brazil.

The Formative Foundation will, of course, continue to support the DPEA as it always has. In fact, the DPEA is now functioning as a “Lab School” where innovative learning experiences are being piloted and improved every day.

Mission Statement

To provide a project-based education in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) to high school students in a way that is:

  • Relevant: The exciting, hands-on projects provide a real world problem solving experience,

  • Business Oriented: The program teaches skills needed for success in established business and entrepreneurial ventures,

  • Team Based: The students work in teams on projects and in the community,

  • Engaging: The learning environment is accessible and exciting

So that graduates are well prepared to achieve their goals of pursuing higher education and contributing to the workplace and society.