Thanks for Being in Their Corner
With your help, we will continue to award scholarships that turn college dreams into reality, fund classroom grants that give teachers the tools to innovate and inspire, support career and college readiness programs that help students find their path after graduation, and celebrate and honor outstanding teachers who make a difference every single day.
It’s been 25 Years!
Sailabration will be an Ultimate AEF Reunion
Reserve your seat for a Champagne Sail!
Yächtley Crëw will keep the vibes flowing all night. Potosi Live has room for YOUR CREW.
Broadening Horizons
The Impact You Can Make
We’re buzzing with excitement over your donations in action! Because of you, Ortiz Elementary bilingual students are diving into awesome books in their native tongues; Austin 5th graders hosted an epic eclipse-watching bash; ATEMS broadcast students got a VIP tour of AT&T Stadium; and Cooper’s AP psychology crew turned Play-Doh into brain models—talk about hands-on learning! Our COOL Team’s new eighth-grade program, COOL PREP, is building bridges with soon-to-be freshmen and their College Advisors, kickstarting their college journey before they even hit high school!
THANK YOU
from our Board of Directors
On behalf of the Abilene Education Foundation’s Board of Directors, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous contribution. Because of you, our students are one step closer to their dreams, and our classrooms are filled with boundless opportunities. Your belief in their potential and your support of our mission make a profound difference. Thank you for being a vital part of the Abilene Education Foundation family and for standing with us in building a brighter future for our youth.
Student-focused Programs
COOL Team
Since 2007-2008, the Abilene Education Foundation, supported by the Shelton Family Foundation, has placed full-time college advisors at every AISD high school to assist underserved and first-generation college-bound students. In 2012, the Dian Graves Owen Foundation helped expand the COOL Program, adding two more advisors to support students with financial aid, applications, and college visits.
Scholarships
The AEF Scholarship Application opens every Fall, offering life-changing awards to students each Spring. In 2023, 43 scholarships were awarded to 78 deserving applicants, helping them take their next steps in education. Want to help fund even more dreams? Every donation counts. Click below to support AEF scholarships.
Young Masters
The AEF Young Masters Juried Art Exhibition celebrates the talent of Abilene ISD AP Studio Art students by showcasing their work in a museum setting and awarding scholarships to top artists. Through community support, this program provides students with professional exposure and essential tools for future success in higher education and art programs.
Teacher-focused Programs
Teachers in the Limelight
The Teachers in the Limelight Celebration (TLC) honors outstanding Abilene ISD educators with campus recognition, a formal dinner, and monetary awards. Funded by an endowment from Mr. Edwin Jennings, Jr., TLC celebrates teachers who go above and beyond for students. Top awards, including the Jennings Teaching Excellence Awards, recognize excellence in elementary, secondary, math, science, fine arts, coaching, and counseling. This endowment ensures annual recognition for generations to come.
Classroom Grants
AEF STAR Grants fund innovative classroom projects in Abilene ISD, helping teachers enrich their curriculum with unique supplies, equipment, and activities. Supported by community donations and AISD employee contributions, these grants award up to $1,500 per teacher, with applications accepted from May to August. Grants are reviewed by AEF’s STAR Committee to ensure each proposal brings creativity and educational value to students.
AISD Teacher Movie Night
A holiday tradition since 2021, AEF reserves the Historic Paramount Theater to show a holiday movie. All AISD employees are welcome to attend with their families for free. Each person also receives a drink and popcorn. Caroling by one of our AISD show choirs sets the mood in the lobby as people enter. Santa and Mrs. Claus are on hand to visit with children about their holiday plans.
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
AISD Admin Building
241 Pine St, Suite 306
PO Box 1999
Abilene, Texas 79604
325-677-1444, x2616
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