Education Foundation of Alachua County Receives Grant for Scholarships and Teacher Recognition

Strategic Insights -

The Education Foundation of Alachua County has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the First Federal Foundation to create new senior scholarships and sponsor the 2026 Teacher of the Year Reception. This grant will provide 4 new scholarships for local high school seniors pursuing higher education and help celebrate outstanding teachers across the district. The Education Foundation has been awarding scholarships since 1986, totaling over $12.5 million, with criteria ranging from academics, need, and interest.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Education Foundation of Alachua County has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the First Federal Foundation to create new senior scholarships and sponsor the 2026 Teacher of the Year Reception.
  • The grant will provide 4 new scholarships for local high school seniors pursuing higher education, in addition to the existing scholarship program.
  • The Education Foundation has awarded over $12.5 million in scholarships since 1986, with criteria ranging from academics, need, and interest.
  • The Senior Scholarship program is one of the foundation's first initiatives, started in 1986.
  • The Education Foundation's Executive Director, Tia Brock-Paul, stated that one scholarship application opens the door to more than 80 scholarship opportunities.
  • The First Federal Foundation Grant will support students pursuing higher education by providing financial assistance.
  • Alana Seals, the 2025 recipient of the Alachua Business League $2,000 Scholarship, shared her gratitude for the award, stating it will allow her to focus on her education without worrying about financial costs.
  • Applications for the First Federal Scholarships and other Education Foundation awards will open on December 17th, 2025.
  • First Federal Foundation is one of the sponsors for the 34th Annual Robert W. Hughes Teacher of the Year Program, recognizing the incredible work of teachers across the district.
  • The Teacher of the Year event will announce the 2026 Alachua County District Teacher of the Year on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Statistics:

  • The Education Foundation of Alachua County has awarded over $12.5 million in scholarships since 1986.
  • The grant provided by the First Federal Foundation is $10,000.
  • 4 new scholarships will be created for local high school seniors pursuing higher education.
  • Applications for the First Federal Scholarships and other Education Foundation awards will open on December 17th, 2025.
  • The Teacher of the Year event will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church from 5:30 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, January 22, 2026, with over 400 attendees expected.
  • Over 80 scholarship opportunities are available to students through the Education Foundation's scholarship program.

Sources:

  • First Federal Bank
  • The Education Foundation of Alachua County
  • First Federal Foundation
  • Alachua County Public Schools
  • Trinity United Methodist Church