The Education Foundation of Alachua County (EFAC) recently received a $10,000 grant from the First Federal Foundation that will help expand scholarships for high school seniors and recognize teachers in Alachua County.
According to an EFAC press release, the award will generate four new scholarships to support seniors pursuing their higher education.
The Senior Scholarship program was the first initiative at the education foundation. Since 1986, the EFAC has awarded more than $12.5 million in scholarships with criteria including academics, need and interest.
“One scholarship application opens the door to more than 80 scholarship opportunities. These scholarships are sponsored by local businesses, civic organizations and individuals honoring those who want to leave a legacy of supporting students’ goal of receiving a college education,” Tia Brock-Paul, executive director of the EFAC, said in the release. “This is how our Education Foundation got its start in 1986, and we are grateful for our partners who help us make college and career a reality for so many students.”
The scholarships are having an impact on the lives of students like Alana Seals, the 2025 recipient of the Alachua Business League Scholarship, totaling $2,000.
“This award will allow me the opportunity to gain knowledge that will help me grow as a student and future business owner in our community,” Seals said in the release. “Having access to these funds will allow me to focus on the other aspects of my education without worrying about how to pay for it.”
Applications for the First Federal scholarships and other EFAC awards open on Wednesday, Dec. 17. More information can be found here.
In addition to creating scholarships, the grant will also help support the 34th annual Robert W. Hughes Teacher of the Year program. The event attracts more than 400 attendees who come to celebrate 40 teachers from every Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) elementary, middle and high schools.
The First Federal Foundation is one of the sponsors of this year’s program.
“We are incredibly grateful for First Federal helping us to elevate the teaching profession by joining us here in Alachua as a new sponsor of this event,” Brock-Paul said. “They join our growing list of corporate and individual sponsors for this event including Cox, Florida Credit Union and SWI Photographers.”
This event is also where the 2026 Alachua County Teacher of the Year will be announced on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. The program will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church (4000 NW 53rd Ave., Gainesville).