Michael Funk

Michael Funk is the Founder and Executive Director of the Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center in San Francisco. (www.snbc.org). Established in 1996, SNBC provides engaging programs to 1,500 youth and 300 adults each year. SNBC is regarded as a national model for offering community and afterschool programming rooted in Youth Development, and is known for its innovative use of community media production and the integration of technology in all of SNBC’s programs.

Michael was the Founder of Experience Corps Bay Area in 1999. Started in 1995 as a pilot project in five cities, Experience Corps has grown to include more than 2000 members in 20 cities across the country. As the leading model in outcomes-based literacy service by older adults, Experience Corps has a strong base of knowledge in the field of education and the program understands the means and messages to tap the time, talent, and experience of people over 55. http://experiencecorps.org/bayarea.cfm

Michael is active in national and California policy issues including policy on afterschool programs and child welfare. Michael is the appointee of California Senate Pro-Tem Leader Don Perata to serve on the California Advisory Committee on Before and After School Programs and is an appointed member of the Executive Board of the California Afterschool Network. Michael is also a member of the Steering Committee of the California Community Technology Policy Group (www.cctpg.org).

In addition, Michael received an appointment to the California Public Utilities Commission Teleconnect Advisory Committee. He serves as one of two community based organization representatives for the entire state of California. This committee works to provide broadband opportunities to low-income communities in California, and specifically, to non-profit organizations that work in those communities.

SNBC and Experience Corps are both programs of AspriaNet, a statewide non-profit agency that addresses child welfare and community based programs with 30 locations and 500 employees.

Michael works half time as AspiraNet’s statewide Director of Policy and Partnerships.