Pasadena Educational Foundation Wraps Up a Vibrant Summer 2025

Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) has successfully concluded its 22nd annual summer enrichment program, bringing five weeks of engaging learning experiences to over 1,000 students across four school campuses in Pasadena, California. With a dynamic catalog of more than 70 courses, the 2025 summer session offered something for every student—from early learners to middle schoolers and teen mentors.

At Madison Elementary School, younger students got a strong academic start with a range of introductory classes tailored for each grade level through fifth grade. Complementing these core courses were creative electives like Art Studio and Latin America Arts Tour, giving students a summer full of both discovery and fun.

Don Benito Elementary provided hands-on learning for energetic young minds. Highlights included interactive courses like Hands-on History and Music and Movement. To offer some indoor relief from the summer heat, students could also choose from enriching experiences such as A Day at the Improv, STEAM 360, and Chess.

San Rafael Elementary served as the program’s Spanish immersion hub. Younger children immersed themselves in the Spanish language through engaging activities, while older students explored dual-language electives such as Zumba, Island Survival, and Latin America Arts Tour, promoting both language skills and global awareness.

At Sierra Madre Middle School, students dove into both STEM and Humanities in a curriculum designed to inspire curiosity and critical thinking. Courses like LEGO Engineers, BizMatics, and the Pasadena Musical Theatre Program helped middle schoolers blend creativity with problem-solving.

The program also celebrated the contributions of its high school youth leaders and interns. These students played a vital mentoring role, guiding younger participants while also taking part in class activities and even launching their own creative projects.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of PEF’s remarkable staff and volunteers. From site coordinators and teachers to office personnel and youth leaders, every individual contributed to the energy and success of the summer. New this year, Response to Intervention (RTI) teaching staff joined the team, supporting students’ social and emotional well-being.

As another summer chapter closes, PEF extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make Summer 2025 a season to remember—filled with learning, laughter, and lasting impact.

Click here to read the full article and view more photos from Summer 2025.

Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF), 351 South Hudson Ave. RM 153, Pasadena, (626) 396-3625 or visit pasedfoundation.org.