The Consortium has awarded 2025–26 School District Education Foundation Matching Grants, a one-of-a-kind statewide program that pairs local private dollars with state funds to accelerate student success. Backed by a $7 million state allocation that is matched by private-sector investment, the program supports initiatives that strengthen CTE pathways, raise graduation rates, improve literacy, expand STEM opportunities, enhance teaching quality, and assist low-performing students.
This year, 62 local education foundations received funding to launch or expand 110 projects from coast to coast. Projects range from teacher classroom innovation grants that spark hands-on learning to college and career readiness efforts that guide juniors and seniors through postsecondary planning. The program’s simple design, combined with local private investment and state funds, helps communities scale what works and adapt to emerging needs, ensuring resources reach districts of every size.
Innovation is already making news. The Franklin County Education Foundation’s industry partnership with Tango Flight will support the Franklin County School District, the first in Florida, to build an airplane, immersing students in aviation, engineering, and advanced manufacturing while aligning with regional workforce needs [Watch the full story]. The Pinellas County Education Foundation supports its district’s College and Career Centers, helping students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opened Oct. 1, expanding access to grants, work-study, scholarships, and responsible loans; many
accredited trade and technical programs also accept FAFSA, broadening pathways into high-skill careers [Watch the full story].
The 2025–26 awards build on strong results from last year. In 2024–25, the program drove a total investment of $18.74 million, combining a $7 million state allocation with $12.1 million in private-sector investment. Sixty school districts participated, and 109 projects were funded through local education foundations that collectively serve 99% of Florida’s K–12
public school students. These efforts directly benefited an estimated 2,075,009 students and 103,851 teachers, demonstrating statewide scale, measurable impact, and a durable return on public–private partnership.
The Consortium extends its appreciation to Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for supporting this appropriation and making these outcomes possible.
Local employers are essential partners in this work. By contributing to their county’s education foundation, businesses can have their dollars matched through the Matching Grant Program—directly supporting tomorrow’s workforce while strengthening today’s classrooms. Employers interested in advancing talent pipelines in CTE, STEM, literacy, and college and career readiness can connect with their local education foundation to make an investment that multiplies impact, supports teachers, and opens doors for students.
