The Education Foundation for California Schools supports and recognizes the instrumental role educators play in fostering innovation and creativity in their classrooms. Every year, the nonprofit awards grants to California teachers to fund educational programs and initiatives that support the fundamental development of students.

The Education Foundation for California Schools was established in 2003 as an extension of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union’s mission and purpose. SchoolsFirst FCU was founded in 1934 by school employees to help school employees and their families achieve their best financial future through products and services designed specifically for them. The foundation’s purpose is to provide grants that support teachers in creating educational programs aimed to inspire students to excel in core curriculum.

The foundation reaches out to teachers each October, encouraging them to apply for a grant of $1,000 or $5,000. All K-14 public- or private-school teachers or teams of up to three teachers may apply. “Since the program was launched 20 years ago, more than 700 teachers have received grants totaling nearly $1.8 million that have directly impacted students throughout the state,” says Josh Smith, vice president, school and community relations at SchoolsFirst FCU and volunteer executive director for the Education Foundation for California Schools.

Thanks to support from individual and corporate donors, the Education Foundation for California Schools awarded 119 grants in 2022. “These remarkable educators have developed effective programs that positively impact student learning,” Smith says. “An example from our 2022 grant cycle comes from a high school teacher in El Dorado County. She used the funds awarded to develop an engaging book club program with a coffee house theme. With this unique thinking, she created an approachable and fun way to encourage students to think critically and develop a foundational love for reading.”

The Education Foundation for California Schools hopes to maximize learning in the areas of language arts, science, mathematics, linguistics and social studies. “By implementing new and refreshing initiatives within these core subjects, educators can create unique experiences that help encourage students to build a brighter future for our communities,” Smith says.