Azel James

The Dallas Mavericks, Dallas ISD, and the Dallas Education Foundation teamed up this summer to help students stay engaged in learning and build strong literacy skills during the months away from the classroom. Through the Mavericks’ Slam Dunk Into Summer Learning initiative, thousands of Dallas ISD elementary students received books and educational resources designed to […]

The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF), in partnership with Microsoft and the Next Step Initiative, once again brought Dallas ISD students to Microsoft’s campus for an inspiring day of hands-on learning, career exploration, and future-focused experiences during the 2026 Microsoft Student Day. The event welcomed Dallas ISD middle school students from across the district for a

The Dallas Education Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026–2027 Heart of Teaching Grants, awarding 30 innovative classroom grants to educators across Dallas ISD. This year’s program marked a historic milestone for the Heart of Teaching initiative, receiving a record number of applications from educators throughout the district. Selected projects represent every

The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) is proud to celebrate three outstanding Dallas ISD students who have been awarded scholarships through the generous support of Alliance Geotechnical Group (AGG). This year’s AGG Scholarship recipients include: Sanders Williams, Career Institute South, Wilmer-Hutchins High School Valeria Santos, Career Institute North, Hillcrest High School Jimmy Sanchez, Career Institute East,

Excitement filled the halls of Dallas ISD’s Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary School as teacher Christine Bickers was surprised with a $1,000 classroom grant through the WhataTeacher program, made possible by Whataburger in partnership with the Dallas Education Foundation. The surprise celebration recognized Bickers for her extraordinary dedication to students and her commitment to creating a

(Dallas, TX) — Dallas ISD, in partnership with the Moody Foundation and the Dallas Education Foundation, celebrated the ribbon cutting of the district’s second Career Exploration Mobile Lab at E.B. Comstock Middle School, a transformative initiative designed to bring hands-on career exploration opportunities directly to middle school students across Dallas ISD. The celebration highlighted a shared commitment to preparing students for

(Dallas, TX) —The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) proudly joined Dallas ISD in celebrating a powerful milestone for a group of outstanding young men at the annual Call Me MISTER Jacketing Ceremony—a moment that symbolizes their commitment to becoming future educators and leaders in their communities. A Milestone Rooted in Mentorship The Call Me MISTER (Mentors

(Dallas, TX) — The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) is proud to celebrate three exceptional Dallas ISD seniors as the newest recipients of the Liza Farrow-Gillespie Intrepid Young Woman Scholarship—a prestigious award supporting young women pursuing careers in law. Selected for their leadership, determination, and commitment to making a difference, this year’s honorees represent the very

(Dallas, TX) — The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF), in partnership with Dallas ISD and Hilltop Holdings, proudly celebrated the next generation of innovators at the annual Hilltop Entrepreneurship Gala, honoring the winners of the Hilltop Entrepreneurship Challenge. The gala marked the culmination of a months-long journey for Dallas ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) students

(Dallas, TX) — The Dallas Education Foundation is proud to celebrate a new investment in student literacy, made possible through a generous $10,000 donation from Pilot Company. This contribution, awarded through Pilot’s Miles of Good initiative, will support Dallas ISD elementary schools by expanding access to books through innovative book vending machines—helping foster a love