Our Annual Impact Report is Here
Dear Educate Fairfax Supporter:
We have been busy these past few months with our Supplies for Success School Supply Drive, the beginning of the 2025-26 School Year, and a record-breaking grant cycle!
We have also been reflecting on the impact of our organization over the past year, and we're excited to share our Annual Impact Report with you! It is because of your support and your generous donations that we are able to continue to invest in the educational excellence of each student in FCPS.
Keep reading to see the impact we have had on FCPS this past year. Also, check out our latest CARES of the Quarter recipients. We teamed up with Dr. Reid, FCPS Superintendent, and Erik Gordon, Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Improvements, to surprise THREE recipients this quarter.
Our Educate Fairfax Grant cycle ended Oct. 12, but not before receiving a record number of applications. Keep reading to learn more.
Finally, on September 17, 11 former students were inducted into the FCPS Alumni Hall of Fame during an incredible ceremony at Wolf Trap. Read more about the 2025 inductees on our blog.
We encourage you to follow us on social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter), where we share the stories of our grant recipients, along with other inspiring news about what's happening to improve educational outcomes across our school division.
Warm wishes,
Dr. Lynette Henry
Executive Director
Educate Fairfax
See Our Impact: Check Out Our Annual Report!
Our 2024-2025 Annual Impact Report is here!
Because of your generosity, Educate Fairfax empowered every corner of Fairfax County Public Schools this year, from Pre-K through graduation.
Together, we’re ensuring every student has the tools, opportunities, and support to thrive.
Highlights include:
- 107 Educate Fairfax Grants awarded, reaching more than 36,000 students across 100 schools.
- $60,000 in scholarships awarded to high school seniors, opening doors to college, career, and service.
- Thousands of students equipped with essential school supplies through Supplies for Success.
- Families supported through Food for All drives.
Your donations, partnerships, and belief in our mission made this impact possible.
Read the full report and see how your support is shaping the future of Fairfax County Public Schools:
READ THE REPORT >>
Congratulations to Our Three CARES of the Quarter Recipients!
On Friday Oct. 17, we had the joy of surprising three incredible FCPS employees—James Patterson, Kevin Vo, and Duy Nhan Nguyen from the Sideburn Support Center—as the newest FCPS CARES of the Quarter winners!
They were nominated by Nicole O’Neil from Deer Park Elementary School, who shared her deep appreciation for their tireless work on her classroom’s HVAC system.
“This is a special space designed for students with autism, where our students are not only highly active but also incredibly curious,” Nicole explained. “Over the course of their visits, these gentlemen didn’t just come in and fix the system—they went above and beyond.”
She added that they not only checked the system daily but also took time to explain their work to the students. “By welcoming our students' questions and offering their knowledge with such care, they not only improved our learning environment but also demonstrated the invaluable role of the community in educating our students.”
The trio was surprised by Dr. Reid, Dr. Lynette Henry, and the Educate Fairfax team, along with award sponsors Katie Knight of Apple Federal Credit Union and Zee Burr of Walmart, Erik Gordon, Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Improvements, William Solomon, Chief of Human Resources, School Board Member Ilryong Moon (At-Large), and several proud colleagues from the Sideburn Support Center.
Congratulations to James, Kevin, and Duy for your care, professionalism, and impact across our schools. Your dedication makes a difference every day!
FCPS CARES of the Quarter is an initiative started by Educate Fairfax to further recognize FCPS staff who go above and beyond with a quarterly celebration. The Educate Fairfax Teacher/Staff Support Committee reviews and nominates a winner from the pool of 21 FCPS CARES monthly winners from all five FCPS regions to recognize as the FCPS CARES of the Quarter winner.
The recipient receives a check for $500 from the sponsoring organization, a plaque, and a surprise celebration from leaders in the division and the community.
Do you know a teacher or FCPS staff person who has gone above and beyond recently?
Nominate them below.
NOMINATE TODAY >>
*On the nomination form, under the information section under 'I want to submit' choose FCPS CARES submission.
A Record-Breaking Grant Cycle!
We are thrilled to share that this year’s Educate Fairfax Grant cycle brought in a record 258 applications from 136 FCPS schools during the open period from September 10 through October 12.
Educate Fairfax Grants provide up to $2,000 to fund innovative projects that support FCPS students and align with the division’s Strategic Plan. Any school-based educator or staff member can apply each fall to bring their creative ideas to life.
Applications covered a wide range of categories, including STEAM, fine and performing arts, Career and Technical Education, literacy, college and career readiness, family engagement, special education, student services, and more.
The review process is now underway, and applicants will be notified between November 17 and 21 if they receive a grant.
Our goal is to fund all 199 FCPS schools and centers—and with your support, we can get there.
Join us in helping every student thrive. Donate below.
DONATE TODAY >>
2025 FCPS Alumni Hall of Fame
Last month, we proudly celebrated 11 outstanding FCPS alumni who were inducted into the Fairfax County Public Schools Alumni Hall of Fame.
It was an unforgettable evening honoring excellence, leadership, and community impact.
From inspiring stories to meaningful connections, the event highlighted the incredible talent and dedication that define FCPS graduates across every field.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in recognizing these remarkable alumni and supporting Educate Fairfax’s mission to invest in every student’s future.
Read more about the 2025 inductees on our blog: educatefairfax.org/blog.
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