Vallejo Early Learning Center receives $1 million grant donation from Syar Foundation, benefiting families, including Solano County’s youngest residents

Vallejo Early Learning Center receives $1 million grant donation from Syar Foundation, benefiting families, including Solano County's youngest residents

July 23, 2024

SOLANO COUNTY - The Syar Foundation has awarded a $1 million dollar grant donation to the Vallejo Early Learning Center to renovate and outfit a multipurpose room as part of the project. The space will be named the "Syar Foundation Multi-Purpose Room."

Solano County Supervisor Erin Hannigan requested the donation, saying, "The Syar family and their Philanthropic Foundation has a strong history of supporting Vallejo. Their early support of the First 5 Center on Sonoma Blvd and now their very generous contribution to the Early Learning Center in South Vallejo cements their family's legacy to our community, especially to the children and young families."

The First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission relies on strong partnerships to execute a vision for the Early Learning Center in Vallejo, ensuring it is a place for both children and adults to gather, learn, be creative, and contribute to the sense of community in the space.

A partnership with Child Start, Inc. is instrumental in this vision. As experts in quality childcare provision, their collaboration ensures that the Vallejo Early Learning Center will operate at the highest standards for the next 25 years.

"Child Start, Inc is grateful to the Syar Foundation for investing in the future through their support of the Vallejo Early Leaning Center," says Juan Cisneros, Child Start Executive Director. "The benefits of this donation will reap rewards throughout our community for decades to come."

This million-dollar donation joins prior funding to help this $16 million project become a reality, including financial contributions from the Federal Government through Congressman Garamendi, State funds through Senator Bill Dodd; local funds through the Solano County Board of Supervisors, the Solano County Office of Education, the Vallejo City Council, First 5 Commission and Child Start, Inc. The project has raised the funds needed to complete the Vallejo Early Learning Center and is now fundraising to build a new $4 million community resource center on the property.

"We need to push the boundaries of innovation," says Neely McElroy, First 5 Solano Commission Chair. "It's not just about introducing new methods; it is a vital responsibility, especially as our children depend on us to embrace innovative perspectives. The generous contribution from the Syar Foundation brings us closer to achieving our dream of renovating the Early Learning Center, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come."

Susan Syar shared that the Syar Foundation is the legacy of C.M. "Tony" Syar, the founder of Syar Industries, Inc., and his wife B.M. "Boots" Syar, and is their gift to the communities where Syar Industries started, operated and grew the company. The Syar's desire was that the Syar Foundation support communities which supported them and Syar industries for so many years. Jim and Susan Syar and the Syar Foundation continue to make community contributions consistent with the original vision.

"From the moment that Supervisor Hannigan first told us about the plans for the Early Learning Center in Vallejo, we knew that this project would help build a firm foundation for today's young families," said Susan Syar, President, Syar Foundation. "The Syar Foundation is pleased to present this grant which is the largest grant in the Foundation's history-we know that this Early Learning Center will change lives for the better."

Earlier, on April 2, 2024, Senator Dodd presented Solano County with a significant $3.75 million earmark, aimed at supporting critical projects, including $1 million designated for enhancements to the Vallejo Early Learning Center. Senator Dodd has shown ongoing commitment and enthusiasm for the center, promising frequent visits to the site.

The project is currently in the design & permitting phase, with plans under review with the City of Vallejo. Pending city approval of the plans, construction is scheduled to commence promptly to align with the anticipated opening of the Vallejo Early Learning Center in the summer of 2026.