Education Foundation of Alachua County Receives $10,000 Grant from First Federal Foundation to Expand Senior Scholarships and Teacher Recognition

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Education Foundation of Alachua County has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the First Federal Foundation to create new senior scholarships and sponsor the 2026 Teacher of the Year Reception. The funding will provide 4 new scholarships for local high school seniors pursuing higher education and help celebrate outstanding teachers across the district.

The Senior Scholarship program was the first initiative at The Education Foundation of Alachua County, and since 1986 we have awarded over $12.5 million in scholarships with criteria ranging in academics, need, and interest. The First Federal Foundation Grant will create 4 new scholarships for high school seniors to support them when pursuing higher education.

"One scholarship application opens the door to more than 80 scholarship opportunities. These scholarships are sponsored by local businesses, civic organizations and individuals honoring those who want to leave a legacy of supporting students' goal of receiving a college education," said Tia Brock-Paul, Executive Director of The Education Foundation of Alachua County. "This is how our Education Foundation got its start in 1986, and we are grateful for our partners who help us make college and career a reality for so many students."

These scholarships are making a difference in students' lives– Alana Seals, the 2025 recipient of Alachua Business League $2,000 Scholarship shares: "This award will allow me the opportunity to gain knowledge that will help me grow as a student and future business owner in our community. Having access to these funds will allow me to focus on the other aspects of my education without worrying about how to pay for it."

Applications for the First Federal Scholarships and other Education Foundation awards will open on December 17th, 2025 at edfoundationac.org. If your family/company are interested in providing scholarship opportunities the Education Foundation is happy to discuss how to create one.

Additionally, First Federal Foundation is one of the sponsors for the 34th Annual Robert W. Hughes Teacher of the Year Program recognizing the incredible work of teachers across our district in a night of celebration and recognition.

We are incredibly grateful for First Federal helping us to elevate the teaching profession by joining us here in Alachua as a new sponsor of this event, said Brock-Paul. "They join our growing list of corporate and individual sponsors for this event including Cox, Florida Credit Union and SWI Photographers."

The Teacher of the Year event will announce the 2026 Alachua County District Teacher of the Year on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Sponsorship opportunities are now available through The Education Foundation.

The event will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church from 5:30 pm to 8 pm where more than 400 attendees come to celebrate 40 teachers from each of Alachua County Public School's elementary, middle and high schools.

About the Education Foundation of Alachua County:

The Education Foundation of Alachua County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting public education in Alachua County, Florida. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, the Foundation works to enrich the educational experience for students and teachers, enhance community engagement, and provide resources that foster academic achievement.

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SOURCE First Federal Bank