our MISSION
The Berkeley Athletic Fund (BAF) is a non-profit organization that supports athletic programs at Berkeley High School. In underfunded public schools, sports programs can be a lifeline for students who lack access to extracurricular activities elsewhere. By providing financial support, BAF aims to ensure that all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, can access the benefits of athletics and each of the teams have the resources they need to succeed.
BAF is a 501c3 nonprofit raising & managing funds across 60 teams – we are specifically focused on elevating the student-athlete, coach, and parent experience via 3 pillars:
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Education - We sponsor events on key topics like an athlete’s nutrition needs, how to pursue athletics in college, creating a safe & supportive environment.
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Student Experience – We use our resources to ensure athletics can bring students, families, and the community together, fostering school pride and a sense of belonging (e.g. celebrating our senior student-athletes, collaborating with community partners, connecting athletes across teams, engaging alumni, increasing efficiency & effectiveness of parent volunteers, coaches, student leaders, etc.)
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Financial - We invest in our student athletes by supporting additional coaching stipends, covering the cost of the BHS athletic trainer, the BH strength & conditioning coach, offering grants for team-specific needs like trips to nationals.
our HISTORY
The Berkeley Athletic Fund (BAF) was formed in 1985 in response to budgetary cutbacks to the athletic department. As is often the case with public schools, there is a funding gap between what is provided by the district and what is actually needed to cover the cost of the athletic programs. BAF is made up of parents of athletes–current and alumni–and community members who share a special interest in supporting Berkeley High School’s sports program.
By adequately funding these athletic programs, BAF helps ensure that the benefits of our BHS athletic programs reach as many students as possible, enriching their educational experience and preparing them for future success.
our IMPACT
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Research shows that student-athletes often perform better academically - they tend to have higher GPAs, better attendance, and stronger time-management skills due to the discipline required to balance sports and schoolwork.
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Participation in athletics teaches valuable life skills like teamwork, leadership, discipline, and resilience; and also personal and social development by building confidence, interpersonal skills, and lifelong friendships and networks.
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Participation in high school sports has been linked to lower rates of drug and alcohol use, delinquency, and other risky behaviors, as students are more likely to stay engaged in positive activities.
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Our athletic programs foster school spirit and community engagement – with each team’s matches/games/events serving as a unifying force, creating opportunities for shared experiences and celebrations.
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These programs teach healthy competition which helps students learn about fair play, setting goals, and handling both victory and defeat with grace.
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They also create a pathway to lifelong fitness, as high school athletics often inspire students to prioritize fitness and well-being throughout their lives, contributing to healthier communities overall.
2024-25 BOARD
Our board of directors represents parent and student volunteers who are passionate about elevating the experience of our BHS student-athletes, coaches, and families.
