The Douglas County Education Foundation’s mission is to:
•Generate, monitor and dispense funds
•Provide financial support to programs for enrichment
•Encourage, recognize and reward excellence in the students and staff of the Douglas County School System
The Douglas County Education Foundation (DCEF) fulfills its mission by raising money for graduating high school seniors, Classroom Impact Grants, occasional restricted grants, and honorariums.
Classroom Impact Grants
Through Classroom Impact Grants awarded on a competitive basis to teachers at all grade levels, the foundation makes it possible to offer programs, projects, equipment, and enrichment opportunities that are not available through state funds alone. Grants promote creative and innovative ideas in and out of the classroom that directly impact student learning.
Restricted Grants
The foundation awards occasional restricted grants to teachers and programs in addition to Classroom Impact Grants. These grants have helped increase STEM opportunities in elementary schools; provided technology for students with sight, hearing, and orthopedic challenges; provided support to elementary and middle school Road Runners' programs; and funded Georgia Gravity Games' cars.
Scholarships
DCEF administers numerous scholarships annually for high school seniors planning to continue their education at the post-secondary level.
Honorariums
Since 1996, the foundation has awarded each school's Teacher of the Year a $100 honorarium, More recently, DCEF began supporting the Counselor of the Year program. Additionally, honorariums are given if a teacher, counselor, principal, or assistant principal receives national recognition by his or her respective accredited professional organization.