(Dallas, TX) — In 2025, the Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) celebrated a year filled with powerful moments that reminded us why we show up for Dallas ISD students every day: education has the power to transform lives.
From early learning investments and classroom innovation to career exploration and literacy milestones, DEF’s community of supporters helped turn opportunity into action—and action into lasting impact for students across the district.
Investing Early to Build Strong Foundations
Early learning lays the groundwork for lifelong success. In 2025, DEF focused on supporting Dallas ISD’s youngest learners through literacy-rich resources and family-centered experiences that foster curiosity and confidence from the very start.
2025 Impact Highlights
- Texas Reading Toolkits distributed to 5,160 K–2 students at 34 Dallas ISD schools
- STEAM Nights hosted at Early Childhood Centers, engaging students and families in hands-on learning
- Continued investment in early literacy and readiness initiatives districtwide
Igniting Literacy and Growing Home Libraries
Books build vocabulary, imagination, and confidence—and access matters. This year, DEF expanded opportunities for students to develop a love of reading both in school and at home.
2025 Impact Highlights
- 56,800 books provided for students to keep and build personal home libraries
- 18 new book vending machines installed, bringing the districtwide total to 75
- Literacy celebrations that encouraged joyful reading and student choice
Championing Educators and Classroom Innovation
Behind every student success story is an educator who goes above and beyond. In 2025, DEF proudly supported teachers with resources that fueled creativity, engagement, and innovative instruction.
2025 Impact Highlights
- 94 teacher and classroom grants awarded, ranging from $1,000 to $4,500
- Inaugural sponsorship of Educator of the Year Awards
- 22 individual awards recognizing outstanding teachers and principals
- Grant-funded projects aligned directly with curriculum goals and student needs
Bringing Career-Connected Learning to Life
Students don’t just need to hear about careers—they need to experience them. In 2025, DEF expanded hands-on, real-world learning opportunities that helped students explore future pathways and imagine what’s possible.
2025 Impact Highlights
- Hands-on, interactive experiences through the Mobile Career Lab, robotics, and STEM programming
- Launch of the Middle School Career Exploration Mobile Lab
- Learn and Earn internships for 75 Dallas ISD students
- Personalized summer college advising and university campus visits
Supporting Student Well-Being and Opportunity
Student success extends beyond the classroom. DEF continued to support whole-child needs by addressing food security, family resources, and access to opportunity.
2025 Impact Highlights
- Student meals are provided during Fall, Winter, and Spring breaks
- Baskets of Care distributed through Resource Center South, supplying families with hygiene, cleaning, and personal care items
- Student scholarships supporting postsecondary access and success
- Strengthening Partnerships That Make Impact Possible
None of this work happens alone. In 2025, trusted partners across Dallas stepped up again and again—helping scale programs, meet urgent needs, and create meaningful opportunities for students.
Together, these partnerships amplified impact across classrooms, campuses, and communities.
Shaping Futures—Together
As we look ahead, we are deeply grateful to every donor, partner, educator, and champion who made 2025 possible. This is what it looks like when a community commits to students—together.
Help power what’s next for Dallas ISD students.
Give today: dallasedfound.org/donate
About the Dallas Education Foundation
The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and serves as the direct and designated philanthropic partner of Dallas ISD. With a mission to inspire community investment to accelerate student success, DEF focuses on economic mobility by supporting early learning, advancing literacy, driving postsecondary success, and championing educators. Learn more at dallasedfound.org and follow @dallasedfound on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Threads, and YouTube.
About Dallas Independent School District
The Dallas Independent School District is continually preparing its students for college or a career. The district offers a competitive mix of innovative programs, choice programs, and instructional initiatives that support the increased academic achievement and the social and emotional development of its students. To learn more, visit www.dallasisd.org.
