Education Foundation of Martin County Closes Record-Breaking Year with $1.4 Million Raised
The Education Foundation of Martin County (EFMC) is proud to reflect on a milestone year of impact and innovation. During the 2024–2025 school year, EFMC raised a record-setting $1.4 million to support students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools—funds that directly enhanced classroom learning, expanded student opportunities, and celebrated educational excellence.
“This extraordinary year would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our donors, sponsors, community partners, and volunteers,” said Lisa Rhodes, EFMC Executive Director. “Your belief in our mission continues to open doors for students and empower our teachers. We are incredibly grateful.”
This year, EFMC broadened its healthcare programming through the HCA Empowering a Healthier Martin initiative, helping 175 high school students earn professional certifications such as CNA, CCMA, and CMAA.
At South Fork High School, the Foundation also partnered with The Able Trust to launch Futures in Focus, offering students with IEPs and 504 Plans real-world work experiences, job readiness training, and introductions to inclusive post-secondary programs.
EFMC continued to fuel a love for literacy through its Book Bonanza Family Literacy Events. In collaboration with the New Worlds Reading Initiative, nine school-based events welcomed more than 1,800 participants for dinners, reading games, and free books. The Foundation’s “For the Love of Reading” Book Vending Machine Initiative delivered thousands of books to students and introduced fun literacy campaigns like the Summer Reading Adventure.
To further support early reading success, EFMC partnered with the Children’s Services Council and Martin Reads! on the STELLAR initiative at Port Salerno Elementary. This focused effort aims to increase reading proficiency and provide students with additional, targeted support to build strong foundational literacy skills.
In its ongoing commitment to college and career readiness, EFMC launched the Career Champions Advocacy Work Group, exceeding its goal of increasing FAFSA completions by 10% and supporting expanded access to dual enrollment. The Foundation is also planning fall PERT Prep Camps and College Access Night support. In addition, EFMC expanded its Career Exploration Labs in middle schools across the district, giving students hands-on exposure to a variety of careers in high-demand fields and helping them begin to chart their futures as early as sixth grade.
Student-led blood drives at four high schools collected 333 units—potentially saving up to 999 lives. These efforts, coordinated in partnership with OneBlood, made participating students eligible for EFMC’s Gift of Life Scholarships. In total, the Foundation awarded approximately $35,000 in scholarships this year.
EFMC raised $285,000 through its “Your Classroom Connection” platform, including Adopt-a-Class and Fund-a-Project, directing 100% of those funds straight to teachers. The Foundation also expanded its FPL EmPOWERing STEM Educators initiative, offering peer-led math and science training and new instructional tools to elementary and middle school educators.
Innovative Solutions Grants funded 14 creative projects across the district, including a flight simulator at Martin County High School, hands-on STEM and literacy kits, college tours for high school AVID students, and math games for younger students. These grants were made possible through generous private donations that were matched dollar-for-dollar by the Florida Legislature’s School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program aimed at maximizing local impact and investing in student engagement and achievement.
EFMC’s Re-Engineering Algebra program also brought real-world math into middle school classrooms, where students applied algebra concepts to design traffic patterns in a fun, interactive format.
When Hurricane Milton disrupted life at Murray Middle School, the Foundation raised more than $80,000 and coordinated critical supplies to support affected students and staff. EFMC also hosted its annual Teacher of the Year Celebration, honoring local educators’ dedication and excellence.
Finally, EFMC underwrote the Martin County Science & Engineering Fair, where over 380 students participated with 14 advancing to the state level and two to the international stage.
Outgoing Board President Lois McGuire added, “It has been the honor to serve this Foundation. This school year has shown what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose. I’m deeply proud of all we’ve achieved.”
As EFMC looks ahead, its commitment to public education remains stronger than ever, ensuring that every student in Martin County has the tools, resources, and opportunities to thrive. For more information visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org or contact the office at 772-600-8062. |
|
|
