Our Impact
supporting greater education in Yavapai CountyYavapai County
Educators of Excellence
YCEF recognizes that the success of our education system is dependent on all members, teacher, counselors, librarians, support staff, administrators and bus drivers. All provide essential services to success and provide role models for developing future citizens.
Accordingly, all contributors to educational excellence should be eligible for recognition. Since school year 2020-2021, every one of the 102 campuses’ that comprise the Yavapai County Schools has been encouraged to nominate one individual on their campus to be a “Yavapai Educator of Excellence”.
They will be featured in a soft cover book that will be published in the Spring of 2024. All subscribers of the print editions of any of the Prescott Newspapers Inc. will also receive a copy! (Prescott Courier, Prescott Valley Tribune, Chino Valley Review, Verde Independent, Camp Verde Bugle). This is being done in partnership with Prescott Newspapers, Inc. at no cost to YCEF.
In the Past Four Years
We’ve Accomplished
Grants Given
Totaling over $72,872
Supported Educators
Showcasing & Rewarding Excellence
Gratitude From Exceptional Teachers In Our Community
Enabling Hands On Learning
My students and I wanted to thank you for awarding us the grant. We are so appreciative of this grant because it provided us with much needed STEM items! My kindergarten students love hands on learning which we know is the best way for them to learn. We are so grateful to you all for allowing our love us STEM learning to continue this year and many years to come. I hope you enjoy the pictures of our class exploring with our new items. Again thank you so much for this opportunity.
Miss. Spigelmire | Mayer Elementary School
Creating Memories & Sportsmanship
The $500 YCEF grant made it possible for the Prescott Valley School’s Archery team get 3 boxes of new arrows. With the previous arrows, they were redone many times and worn down. Three boxes of new arrows will now last our archery team many years of use.
Sports help these students learn sportsmanship, value of work, and build memories. Without new equipment, our sports wouldn’t be possible. Thank you, YCEF, for the grant that helped our archery team this year, and years to follow! View Full Presentation Here.
Samantha Eltringham | Prescott Valley School
Growing Social & Emotional Development
I am writing to thank you for awarding Beaver Creek School $1000 for our SEL (Social Emotional Learning) K-5 classroom program. We have chosen the evidence-based program, Second Step, and I am very excited that we will be able to use your generous grant towards the purchase of this program. I used to teach Second Step in the Cave Creek Unified School District. I was very impressed with the skills the program taught and the methods that were used to keep students engaged in their learning. The progress the students made, along with the positive feedback from teachers, administrators, parents, and students was very rewarding to see. The program teaches empathy, emotional management, and problem solving which are skills so important for students’ social/emotional and cognitive development. Thank you very much!
Cathy Rosick | Beaver Creek School
Supporting Tech Students
I want to say thank you for the approval of my classroom grant! I am so grateful for this grant! This will help buy the supplies and equipment for my students to build and program robotics from the ground up. My students will be using these supplies and equipment daily in the classroom. I wanted to email the foundation and tell you how grateful I am for this grant! Thank you again for everything you do for the teachers in Yavapai County.
Chance Weir | Camp Verde Middle School
Sparking Compassion & Community
This grant allowed us to bring in a class pet, Bindi, a bearded dragon. Having Bindi in our classroom has sparked a newfound compassion, caring and communication between the students. From reading time to video updates the students of Ms. Lichtas class enjoy spending time with their new dragon.
Aly Lichtas | Daniel Bright Elementary School
Support Future Generations
The success and sustainability of YCEF’s programs depends on your support and contributions.
Due to the generosity of individuals, other foundations, and corporate sponsorships, YCEF is able to fulfill its mission.