The Friendswood ISD Education Foundation (FEF) has been recognized with a Texas Education Foundation Network (TEFN) Outstanding Achievement Award as well as a $2,500 grant for its groundbreaking Continuing Education Scholarship Program, a new initiative designed to support the advancement of educators within Friendswood ISD (FISD).
Launched in 2024 through a generous founding donation from Drs. Sara and Glenn Freedman, the FEF Continuing Education Scholarship Program aims to empower FISD staff by helping fund their academic and professional growth. Scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500 are awarded twice a year—in the spring and fall—to employees pursuing degrees, certifications, graduate hours for dual credit instruction, and National Board Teacher Certification.
Since its inception, the program has awarded 32 scholarships totaling over $58,000, and FEF anticipates awarding $50,000 annually moving forward. Applications are reviewed considering district hiring needs, particularly for hard-to-fill positions. Additionally, recipients are encouraged to remain in the district for at least two years after receiving their scholarship, an attribute designed to strengthen staff retention.
“This program has become a powerful tool for investing in our educators and ensuring that FISD continues to attract and retain top talent,” said Executive Director of FEF, Ashley Adair. “The stories shared by our scholarship recipients illustrate these funds’ real impact on classrooms, families, and the future of education in our community.”
Among those recipients is Sarah Violetta, a Health Science teacher at Friendswood High School, who shared, “This scholarship is not just about my education; it is about empowering the next generation to recognize their own worth and possibilities.”
Another recipient, Sarah Pike, Math Coach at Windsong Elementary and soon-to-be AP at Cline Elementary, noted the ripple effect the program has had: “My own children have told me they’ve learned about goal setting and perseverance just by watching me complete my coursework.”
The scholarship program has also supported participants of the district’s “Ready, Set, Teach” program, continuing the foundation’s mission to invest in the educators of today and tomorrow.
The TEFN Outstanding Achievement Award highlights excellence and innovation in educational support efforts across Texas. FEF hopes this recognition will inspire other education foundations to explore new ways to champion educators and public education across Texas.
To learn more about the FEF Continuing Education Scholarship Program or to support its mission, visit fef.myfisd.com/programs/educator-scholarships.
