Meet the Team: Allan Ma

Meet Allan Ma, Coordinator of SNBC's Program at Sunset Elementary

Mr. Allan with Ms. Ana and Ms. Stephanie at Sunset Soiree, SNBC's annual celebration and fundraiser

 Mr. Allan Ma, Coordinator of SNBC’s Afterschool Learning Program (ASLP) at Sunset Elementary is no stranger to the Sunset District. Born and raised here, Allan attended Ulloa Elementary, A.P. Giannini Middle and Lowell High School before heading south to attend UC San Diego. While completing his bachelors degree in psychology, Allan performed with UCSD’s acclaimed a capella group, The Beat, where he honed his life-long love of singing. Allan can be heard frequently entertaining his staff and program participants with songs on demand!

Mr. Allan at Sunset Olympics Week with former F.S. Key supervisor and good friend, Mr. Shawn Smith

 Mr. Allan began his relationship with SNBC as an afterschool program leader at F. S. Key Elementary in 2009. About eighteen months later, he was selected to lead SNBC’s program at Sunset Elementary, where he continues to expand and develop opportunities for kids year-round. Allan says applying for the position at Sunset was the best decision he ever made! This coming school year, the Sunset ASLP will serve 240 children from Kindergarten to 5th grade.

Sunset Elementary kids and their families, taken by Mr. Allan at the Giants game 

Mr. Allan is known among parents, students and staff for establishing traditions and planning fantastic events. This school year, he continued the tradition of taking 300+ students and parents to both a Giants and a Warriors game. Allan also holds the annual Sunset Olympics Week, which involves students competing against themselves to achieve their personal best in a number of physical challenges. On top of this, Allan and his staff arranged the first ever winter and spring dances at Sunset, both of which were wildly successful! Complete with a DJ, photo booth, food, parent volunteers and plenty of decorations, students dressed up and had a blast! 

Sunset ASLP staff also dressed up and joined in the fun!

This year, Mr. Allan, the staff, and ALL the students at Sunset envisioned and created a true masterpiece to enter into SNBC’s 9^th Annual Community Film Festival. After winning the People’s Choice Award that evening, their film “Good Time” went on to earn Runner Up in the 2nd Annual BTOP SF Youth Digital Media Showcase! 

Allan with Sunset ASLP staff and students after winning the People's Choice Award!

Mr. Allan is passionate about the work of SNBC and our free afterschool programs and family services. He says the afterschool program at Sunset allows students to branch out, be creative, develop as leaders, and just be themselves! Running every day of the school year, SNBC’s free program at Sunset includes homework help, enrichment activities, sports and fun recreational games, nutritious snacks and plenty of opportunities to make friends. Growing up with two working parents, Allan reflects on how nice it would have been for him to have a afterschool program to attend. Many students in the Sunset District have two working parents as well and they are extremely appreciative of Mr. Allan and his enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and experienced staff. This great team fosters a wonderful environment for children to learn and grow. “What we’re doing here, it’s important,” Allan says. “Kids want to be here.”