STUART, Fla. — Martin County School District has been awarded the MVP Trophy for the 2025–26 Florida FAFSA Challenge, recognizing the district’s outstanding progress in helping graduating seniors complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and access opportunities for education beyond high school.

The achievement reflects a two-year collaborative effort spearheaded by the Education Foundation of Martin County (EFMC) through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations' Building College & Career Readiness Grant secured by the Foundation.  EFMC Career Champions, including local community partners, foundation, school and district staff worked to increase FAFSA awareness, provide hands-on assistance to students and families, and remove barriers to completing this important step toward postsecondary education.

At South Fork High School, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) teacher Jennifer Morreale helped lead the on-campus effort, playing an instrumental role in encouraging and assisting students with FAFSA completion and helping them understand the financial resources available to continue their education after high school.

The results were significant. Martin County’s overall FAFSA completion rate increased by 4.8 percentage points during the 2025–26 school year, making Martin County the top-performing district on the Treasure Coast and surpassing the project’s goals.

“This recognition is a wonderful example of what can happen when our schools and community work together around a shared goal,” said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County. “Completing the FAFSA can open doors for students who may not otherwise realize that college, technical education or other opportunities after high school are within their reach. We are incredibly proud of our educators, Career Champions and community partners who worked together to help more Martin County students take that important next step.”

“We are honored to receive the MVP Trophy, but the real winners are our graduates,” said Lana Barros, MCSD coordinator of College & Career Readiness. “Every effort we make to expand access to education beyond high school graduation creates new possibilities for young people. When we open doors to opportunity, we help shape brighter futures for generations to come.”

FAFSA completion is an important predictor of whether students continue their education after high school, particularly for students from low-income families. By helping more students complete the FAFSA, this collaborative effort is opening doors to grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities and other forms of financial aid that can make college, technical education and other postsecondary pathways more attainable.

The Florida FAFSA Challenge MVP recognition demonstrates what can be accomplished when educators, schools, businesses and community partners work together toward a common goal: helping Martin County students access opportunities beyond high school and take the next step toward a successful future.

About the Education Foundation of Martin County

The Education Foundation of Martin County (EFMC) is the Martin County School District’s strategic nonprofit partner, with a mission to enrich and enhance educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools. As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EFMC works in partnership with the school district, educators, businesses, foundations and community supporters to connect resources with educational needs and provide opportunities beyond what traditional education funding can support. The Foundation raises and distributes private and corporate funds through established programs and initiatives, including classroom enrichment grants, literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) programs, college and career readiness initiatives, professional development and support for teachers, scholarships, special initiatives, and programs recognizing outstanding teaching. Through these efforts and strategic community partnerships, EFMC helps students succeed and teachers thrive. For more information, visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.