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The AEF allows donors to fund individual projects of interest like the GIFT Grant program. Projects must fit the AEF mission and goals and meet the approval of the AEF Board and AISD administration. If you would like to discuss funding and implementing a donor directed project through AEF, please contact Jean McMillon, AEF Executive Director.
The "Giving to First-time Teachers" grant is awarded to AISD employees who are teaching for the first time. Grant funds are for additional classroom materials to enhance those provided by the school district.
"AEF...A Fairy Godmother?"
I knew from the time I was a Thomas Texan that I wanted to be a teacher, so choosing my major wasn’t what was hard. The hard part was trying to decide which university to attend; however, trying to figure out how to get there and stay in college proved to be the most demanding challenge. Fortunately, through the aid of AEF’s Shelton Foundation Scholarships, my twin sister and I both received a $2000/year scholarship to go to ACU. We are the first in our family to attend college. If it wasn’t for the generous assistance that AEF offered, I am not certain if higher education would have been possible.
My experience at ACU was worthwhile and genuinely unbelievable. When I graduated, I knew that I wanted to make a significant impact and be a servant for others in my community who needed help, so I interviewed at several local elementary schools. Luckily, my prayers were answered quickly and I was hired as a first grade teacher at Bowie Elementary.
As a first-year teacher with a lack of funds, setting up my classroom was hard. There was only so much I could do, but again AEF came to my rescue. With the funds AEF provided through their GIFT Grants program, I was able to furnish extra items that would help create a warm, special, and inviting classroom. I cannot emphasize enough how much I appreciate AEF. This organization was like my own fairy godmother making all of my dreams come true.
“My name is Geraldine Cardenas,
and I am a proud product of the
Abilene Education Foundation!”
