Michael Funk is the Founder and Executive Director of the Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center in San Francisco.  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 2,000 members in 20 cities across the country, including San Francisco, Oakland, and Marin.  Experience Corps has a strong base of knowledge in the field of education and the program understands the value of tapping the time, talent, and experience of people over 55.

Michael is active in policy issues, including afterschool programs and child welfare.  Michael is the Senate appointee to 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 on the Steering Committee of the California Community Technology Policy Group.

In addition, Michael is an appointee 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 Bay Area are programs of Aspiranet, a statewide non-profit agency that addresses child welfare and community based programs.  Michael works half time as Aspiranet’s statewide Director of Policy and Partnerships.

Michael was raised on an Idaho potato farm, and was a certificated middle school science teacher and a high school coach. He was also an ordained minister for 13 years before moving into his current field of work.