Community

Each September, we celebrate the new academic school year in a safe, family friendly environment filled with community and health resources for all attendees. First African Methodist Episcopal Church launched the Annual Shoe Giveaway in 1996. Seventeen years later, the event moved to Oakland Arena and RingCentral Coliseum. Since joining efforts, over 13,400 free new pairs of shoes have been distributed to K through 12th grade students across Alameda County. 70% of the families that receive shoes have annual incomes below $25,000.

Each year college-bound students from all over Oakland and Alameda County compete in AEG Oakland’s scholarship program, with three promising students winning an annual $10,000 scholarship. Provided they maintain GPA requirements, these students were eligible to renew their scholarships each year, totaling $40,000 over their college careers.

AEG Oakland Community Foundation and East Bay Consortium hosted a free workshop at RingCentral Coliseum for all Alameda County Residents to learn and apply for FAFSA and CADAA.

For our AEG Oakland Community Foundation’s 8th annual Halloween event, 170 students from Alameda County School District were invited for a safe trick-or-treating experience on the Oakland Arena event floor. The students enjoyed a trick-or-treat lane where our staff passed out candy and had activities like face painting and balloon making. 

The Job Shadowing Program was established as a partnership that brings educators, industry, and community partners together to create a supplemental education opportunity for high school students. Youth participants gain valuable experience and insight into the world of work through direct observation, hands-on activities, and close engagement with team members. The program not only inspires young people but also provides the youth of our communities with work readiness skills.

ASM Oakland promotes literacy by selecting a school to donate over 300 new books to their library. Many of these libraries cannot afford new books due to budget challenges. We work with the principal and teachers to identify specific books to purchase for students from kindergarten up to sixth grade. ASM Oakland employees join the event and read aloud to students, often sharing their educational journey. Students then select a free book to take home.

California law requires children of a certain age and weight to ride in a booster seat. Unfortunately, too many parents are unable to afford one. That’s why we partnered with Safe Kids Alameda County Coalition and AAA to provide free new low and high-back booster seats. Installed by certified technicians, families can transport their children knowing they are safe.