First Federal Foundation Invests $10,700 to Support Students, Families, and Educators in Alachua County 

As Alachua County Public Schools prepare to welcome students and teachers back for a new school year, The Education Foundation of Alachua County recognizes the continued generosity of First Federal Foundation, whose $10,700 investment in 2026 is supporting students, families, and educators across Alachua County. 

Through grants awarded during 2026, First Federal Foundation invested $10,700 in three key Education Foundation initiatives: 

• Teacher of the Year Recognition Program 
• Food Basket Program 
• Pantsapalooza 

This investment reflects a shared commitment to ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed while recognizing the educators who inspire and prepare them for the future. 

The investment supports the Education Foundation’s Teacher of the Year Recognition Program, Food Basket Program, and Pantsapalooza initiative. Together, these programs celebrate exceptional educators, provide nutritious food to families experiencing food insecurity, and ensure students have access to essential clothing so they can come to school confident, prepared, and ready to learn. 

As the Education Foundation begins securing sponsors for the 35th Annual Robert W. Hughes Teacher of the Year Recognition Program, First Federal Foundation’s investment serves as one of the first commitments toward celebrating the outstanding educators who inspire students across Alachua County Public Schools. Sponsorship opportunities are now available through The Education Foundation for the Teacher of the Year program at EdFoundationAC.org. 

Their support also strengthens two student-centered initiatives that provide nutritious food to families experiencing food insecurity and essential clothing to students, helping remove barriers to learning before the school year begins. 

“First Federal Foundation continues to demonstrate what it means to invest in an entire community,” said Tatila Brock-Paul, Executive Director of The Education Foundation of Alachua County. “Their support reaches beyond a single program—it honors the incredible work of our educators while ensuring students and families have the resources they need to begin the school year ready to succeed. We are grateful that the First Federal Foundation continues to invest in programs that strengthen our entire school community.” 

The Food Basket Program helps provide nutritious food to students and families experiencing food insecurity during school breaks, ensuring children have access to meals when school cafeterias are closed. 

Pantsapalooza provides new clothing to students in need, helping remove barriers to school attendance and allowing children to arrive at school feeling confident, comfortable, and ready to learn. 

“Strong communities are built when we invest in both people and opportunity,” Brock-Paul added. “Whether recognizing outstanding teachers or ensuring students have food and clothing, First Federal Foundation is helping create the conditions for students to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.” 

The Education Foundation of Alachua County extends its sincere appreciation to First Federal Foundation for its continued partnership and commitment to strengthening public education in our community.