25 years Fort Bend Education Foundation Celebrates Anniversary of Support to Teachers and Schools


Fort Bend Education Foundation Past President Frank Petras presented a check to Fort Bend ISD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck with members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors Chris Hill, Pat Houck, Peggy Jackson, Lina Sabouni, Lynn Halford, Terri Wang, Ron Bailey, John Wantuch, Allan Holley, Dennis Halford, Dustin Fessler and Executive Director Brenna Cosby.

Fort Bend Education Foundation Past President Frank Petras presented a check to Fort Bend ISD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck with members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors Chris Hill, Pat Houck, Peggy Jackson, Lina Sabouni, Lynn Halford, Terri Wang, Ron Bailey, John Wantuch, Allan Holley, Dennis Halford, Dustin Fessler and Executive Director Brenna Cosby.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Fort Bend Education Foundation (FBEF), a powerful catalyst for extraordinary academic achievement. Since its inception in 1992, the Foundation has provided educators with opportunities to enrich and enhance the quality of education for all students in Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) through its Grants to Teachers and Schools programs, professional development grants, corporate pass-thru programs and grants to assist new teachers who are beginning their educational careers by outfitting their classrooms.

Thanks to generous corporate and individual donors, FBEF has awarded more than $32 million to FBISD teachers and schools over the years. The Foundation receives hundreds of grant applications each year from educators representing every school in FBISD, and FBEF’s Board of Directors completes an extensive review of each proposal to ensure that strict criteria are met.

The Fort Bend Education Foundation strives to reach every reader. Quail Valley Elementary Reading Specialist Ruby Portugal works with Joez Vilangatt and Morgan Matson.

The Fort Bend Education Foundation strives to reach every reader. Quail Valley Elementary Reading Specialist Ruby Portugal works with Joez Vilangatt and Morgan Matson.

“We have received really amazing grant proposals over the years that inspire and equip students for successful futures,” said FBEF President Jim Brown. “The Foundation has funded literacy and math programs at the elementary level, agricultural and science projects at the middle school level and fashion design and technical education projects for high schools. The list goes on and on.”

One such grant, “Sustainable Farming” at Travis High School’s Agricultural Science Program, allows students to use their hands and their minds. Many students have never picked up a handful of soil before, but through the garden, students understand the major health benefits to fresh foods. Students who normally wouldn’t speak up in class engage in the garden without being prompted. The garden gives students a better attitude about fruits and vegetables, quality exercise working the garden beds and eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.

Reaping the benefits of a Fort Bend Education Foundation grant at Travis High School’s garden were Allison Evans, Megan Guglisi, Elizabeth Rakestraw, Leah Montgomery, Cody Westmoreland, Isaiah Maldonado, Nyejuel Homeyer, Zach Thompson, Yvonna Montoya, Mackenzie Simmons, Carmen Castillo, Kaitlen Lounsbury, Shelby Reagan, Megan Mcgranahan and Shelby Salge.

Reaping the benefits of a Fort Bend Education Foundation grant at Travis High School’s garden were Allison Evans, Megan Guglisi, Elizabeth Rakestraw, Leah Montgomery, Cody Westmoreland, Isaiah Maldonado, Nyejuel Homeyer, Zach Thompson, Yvonna Montoya, Mackenzie Simmons, Carmen Castillo, Kaitlen Lounsbury, Shelby Reagan, Megan Mcgranahan and Shelby Salge.

In 1992, the Foundation funded $42,137 in grants compared to last year, when the Foundation funded $477,000 in grants. Three district-wide programs recently funded by the FBEF include a Programming and Robotics Club in partnership with Schlumberger on 45 FBISD campuses, a Mobile Digital Film School, which teaches students advanced film-making techniques with a film showcase during the Annual FBISD Film Fest in the spring, and “Robots for Homebound Education,” which enables home and hospital bound students to virtually attend class.

These programs are just a few of the thousands of grants that have been funded by FBEF. The number of grants funded each year is limited only by the amount of money raised by the Foundation. “The demands on school districts today are enormous, and budgets can’t always keep pace with the individual requests of classroom teachers who want to make education come alive for their students,” said Executive Director Brenna Cosby. “Delivering this exceptional level of learning is neither easy nor inexpensive.

“Each grant is the result of the generosity of our local community – including businesses, corporations and individuals – who support the Foundation.” As FBEF begins its 25th year of service, they invite the community to be a part of enriching Fort Bend Future by donating to its 25th anniversary campaign. “We touch every school in Fort Bend ISD.”

For more information, visit www.fortbendisd.com/foundation.