Wednesday, July 1, 2026
STUART, Fla. The Education Foundation of Martin County (EFMC) concluded its 2025-2026 fiscal year with remarkable momentum, investing approximately $1.4 million to support students, teachers, and schools throughout Martin County’s public education system.
From literacy and workforce development to STEM education and innovative classroom projects, the Foundation continued its mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities for all students while supporting the educators who help them succeed.
One of the year’s most visible successes was the “For the Love of Reading” Book Vending Machine Initiative, which now serves every traditional elementary, middle, and high school campus, as well as The Hope Center for Autism. During the school year, elementary students read more than 178,000 books and over 763 million words while earning thousands of books of their own through reading incentives. The initiative also introduced new reading challenges designed to increase student participation and create excitement around literacy.
The Foundation’s literacy efforts extended beyond the school day. Nearly 1,200 children and family members participated in Book Bonanza Family Literacy Events, where families enjoyed dinner, literacy activities, and free books while building positive reading habits together.
The EFMC also expanded opportunities for students preparing for future careers. Nearly 200 high school students earned industry-recognized healthcare certifications, while others participated in workforce readiness experiences designed to help them transition successfully to employment, postsecondary education, and independent living.
Students struggling with reading received targeted support through literacy coaching, afterschool intervention programs, and summer learning opportunities designed to strengthen foundational skills and improve academic outcomes. Innovative classroom grants funded creative teacher-led projects that engaged students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literacy, resiliency, and career exploration.
Additional initiatives supported STEM education, real-world mathematics applications, college and career readiness, and recognition programs that celebrate outstanding educators.
“Every day we see the incredible impact that community support has on students and teachers,” said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County. “Whether it’s a child earning their first book, a student gaining a professional certification, or a teacher bringing an innovative idea to life, these opportunities help change lives and create brighter futures.”
According to Dr. Jennifer DiTrapani-Gimbal, president of the Education Foundation of Martin County, the organization’s success is rooted in collaboration. “Our community believes in the power of education. When schools, families, businesses, volunteers, and community leaders work together, students benefit in extraordinary ways.”
As the Foundation looks ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, its focus remains clear: Expanding opportunities, strengthening educational outcomes, and ensuring every student has the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive.
For information about the Education Foundation of Martin County, visit the website, www.EducationFoundationMC.org or call the office at 772-600-8062.
The Education Foundation of Martin County is the Martin County School District’s strategic non-profit partner with the mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools. As an independent group, the Foundation promotes this effort by raising and distributing private and corporate funds through several established programs, including classroom enrichment grants, literacy programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, please visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.
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From literacy and workforce development to STEM education and innovative classroom projects, the Foundation continued its mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities for all students while supporting the educators who help them succeed.
One of the year’s most visible successes was the “For the Love of Reading” Book Vending Machine Initiative, which now serves every traditional elementary, middle, and high school campus, as well as The Hope Center for Autism. During the school year, elementary students read more than 178,000 books and over 763 million words while earning thousands of books of their own through reading incentives. The initiative also introduced new reading challenges designed to increase student participation and create excitement around literacy.
The Foundation’s literacy efforts extended beyond the school day. Nearly 1,200 children and family members participated in Book Bonanza Family Literacy Events, where families enjoyed dinner, literacy activities, and free books while building positive reading habits together.
The EFMC also expanded opportunities for students preparing for future careers. Nearly 200 high school students earned industry-recognized healthcare certifications, while others participated in workforce readiness experiences designed to help them transition successfully to employment, postsecondary education, and independent living.
Students struggling with reading received targeted support through literacy coaching, afterschool intervention programs, and summer learning opportunities designed to strengthen foundational skills and improve academic outcomes. Innovative classroom grants funded creative teacher-led projects that engaged students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literacy, resiliency, and career exploration.
Additional initiatives supported STEM education, real-world mathematics applications, college and career readiness, and recognition programs that celebrate outstanding educators.
“Every day we see the incredible impact that community support has on students and teachers,” said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County. “Whether it’s a child earning their first book, a student gaining a professional certification, or a teacher bringing an innovative idea to life, these opportunities help change lives and create brighter futures.”
According to Dr. Jennifer DiTrapani-Gimbal, president of the Education Foundation of Martin County, the organization’s success is rooted in collaboration. “Our community believes in the power of education. When schools, families, businesses, volunteers, and community leaders work together, students benefit in extraordinary ways.”
As the Foundation looks ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, its focus remains clear: Expanding opportunities, strengthening educational outcomes, and ensuring every student has the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive.
For information about the Education Foundation of Martin County, visit the website, www.EducationFoundationMC.org or call the office at 772-600-8062.
The Education Foundation of Martin County is the Martin County School District’s strategic non-profit partner with the mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools. As an independent group, the Foundation promotes this effort by raising and distributing private and corporate funds through several established programs, including classroom enrichment grants, literacy programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, please visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.
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