Fort Bend Education Foundation

We are proud to recognize Nick McPherson as our 2026 FBISD Star of the Year! A Fort Bend ISD Information Systems Web Analyst, Nick has devoted countless hours to ensure that our new grant application system runs smoothly. Implementing the system was a major undertaking and Nick remained patient and willing to approach every obstacle with professionalism and good humor. We appreciate his expertise and commitment – and are forever indebted to him!

With a $4,667 FBEF school site grant, Bush High School teachers Kristen Dimond (Biology) and Simone Evans (English) have helped Garden Club members create and maintain a school garden! They purchased gardening tools and material (such as carts, soil, spray hoses, crates, pavers and garden wall bricks) to build raised garden beds of various sizes. Working in the garden gives students hands-on learning opportunities in science, nutrition and environmental studies. Gardening has also promoted teamwork, environmental responsibility, physical activity and leadership among the Bush students.

Today we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We are forever grateful for their courage, honor and bravery. 🇺🇸🕊️

Mark your calendar for Monday, Sept. 14, 2026 and join us at 7:00 A.M. at TPC Houston (formerly Sweetwater Country Club) as we tee off for education! The Fort Bend Education Foundation is hosting its 27th Annual Back to School Scramble, co-chaired by Nick Bhakta and Ryan McCauley. The fundraiser supports innovative classroom grants and resources for every school in Fort Bend ISD. More details are coming soon!

Testing without distractions is the way to go! Just ask Palmer Elementary first grade teachers, whose students enjoy a quiet MAP Testing experience thanks to a $1,430 FBEF grant! Teacher Yvonne Castillo applied for the grant to support the reading skills and oral reading fluency among students as they are “Navigating With MAPS.” Given the funds, she purchased multiple sets of 10 heavy-duty, mobile-ready headphones with boom microphones and tangle-free fabric cords. The tools allow students to carefully listen to proctor instructions, respond and read without receiving distracting noise while taking the reading assessment.

This year, the Fort Bend Education Foundation had record-breaking success with its Gala Paddles Up fundraiser supporting the Fill the Gap, Fuel the Future campaign! The fundraiser brought in over $20,245 to support families through FBISD’s Collaborative Communities Shared Dreams Program. This is the highest amount raised during Paddles Up, with the second highest being $13,600 in 2018. FBEF Executive Director Hillary Dunn presented the Collaborative Communities team with the check, which will be used to restock the shelves at Shared Dreams with school supplies, clothing and food for families next school year.

During its 2026 Grants Awards Ceremony, held at Kempner High School, the Fort Bend Education Foundation awarded $771,794 to Fort Bend ISD to support the Grants to Teachers and Schools Program. Thanks to its fundraising efforts and generous donations from supporters throughout the community, the Education Foundation has raised nearly $37 million since its inception in 1992 to support FBISD teachers and schools. This year’s amount includes: $545,169 to fund 327 Grants to Teachers and Schools, $16,712 for 167 New Teacher Gifts, $100,000 for Professional Development, and $109,913 in Pass-Through Programs.

English Language Arts students at the Reese Career and Technical Center are reaping the benefits of teacher Dana Moody’s Fort Bend Education Foundation-funded grant, “Sensible Literature for Self-Awareness and Social Skills.” Moody received $1,492 to purchase classroom sets of young adult novels, memoirs and books for advanced readers for students to enjoy at home and discuss in class. Some of the titles include, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Gifted Hands, The Outsiders and Farewell to Manzanar. By reading and presenting thorough discussions on the books, Moody is giving students opportunities to reflect on emotions, identities, relationships and different perspectives, while creating safe ways for students to explore real-life situations through story characters and narratives.

We’re incredibly grateful to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital for serving as “The Big Dill” Title Sponsor for our 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament! Their generous support this year, and years past, has allowed us to continue providing grants to train teachers, provide classroom equipment and offer new instructional experiences to students of all grade levels. We appreciate your continued support and partnership!