Davis couple invests in youth education

May 20, 2026 - 03:45

When Steve and Andrea Weiss of Davis brought their first child to college more than a decade ago, they arrived in a minivan filled to the brim with household goods. That moment of transition, watching their son settle into a new chapter, sparked something deeper than parental pride. It planted the seed for a long-term commitment to helping other young people access the same opportunities.

The couple has since turned that initial feeling into a focused investment in youth education. Rather than writing a single check and moving on, they have built a strategy that supports students from elementary school through college. Their approach includes funding after-school programs, providing scholarships for low-income families, and mentoring first-generation college students. Steve, a retired engineer, and Andrea, a former teacher, both believe that financial support alone is not enough. They spend time meeting with students, helping them navigate applications, and connecting them with local resources.

Their work has quietly reshaped opportunities for dozens of kids in the Davis area. Teachers and school administrators describe the Weisses as hands-on donors who show up for events and ask tough questions about how money is spent. The couple says they are not interested in recognition. They just want to see more students finish what they start. For them, education is not a one-time gift. It is a long game, and they are in it for the long haul.