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October 6, 2025 (Dallas, TX) — The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF), in partnership with Walmart, kicked off a new community initiative designed to strengthen family engagement and wellness across the Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD). The program, called Walmart Soccer Sparks Saturdays, features a series of weekend events at six Dallas ISD elementary schools. […]

CTE Summer Learn & Earn Highlights This summer, Dallas ISD CTE Learn & Earn Camps wrapped up their second year—bigger and better than before! Building on the success of BizCamp, we expanded opportunities with VitalsCamp and TechCamp, giving students more ways to gain hands-on career experiences and real-world learning. Through the support of USAA, Dallas

A Classroom Transformed by Sensory Joy In a special education classroom at Leila P. Cowart Elementary, magic is happening. The kind of magic that comes when students with complex needs are seen, supported, and given space to grow. Katybeth Hagler is the core of it all. She has spent 13 years as a special education

The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF), in collaboration with The Rees-Jones Foundation, proudly announces the awarding of over $65,000 in Heart of Teaching grants to 17 exceptional Dallas ISD educators. These grants will fund a wide range of innovative projects aimed at uplifting and empowering students with special needs. In 2024, DEF awarded 16 Heart of

This summer, 70 Dallas ISD high school students stepped into hospitals, tech labs, and business incubators, not as visitors, but as future professionals. Through the Dallas ISD CTE Learn & Earn Summer Camps, presented in partnership by USAA and the Dallas Education Foundation, students had the chance to explore future careers, learn from professionals, obtain

The Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Education Foundation teamed up to tip off summer break by delivering books straight into the hands of thousands of Dallas ISD students. Through the Slam Dunk into Summer Reading initiative, more than 30,000 high-quality books were distributed to 15,000 elementary students at Dallas ISD’s 28 Pathway to Excellence and

150 students. 6 schools. One inspiring day at Microsoft. In a powerful collaboration between Microsoft’s NextStep Initiative and the Dallas Education Foundation, middle school students from across Dallas ISD embarked on an unforgettable journey to Microsoft’s campus for “Microsoft Student Day,” offering students a firsthand look at the world of STEM careers. The event welcomed

The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) is proud to award seven scholarships this year to outstanding Dallas ISD seniors whose passions range from the courtroom to the construction site. Funded by philanthropic partners and community leaders, the awards celebrate the unique talents and aspirations of our students while helping them chart bold paths forward. Honoring Intrepid

The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF), in partnership with The Dallas Foundation (TDF), proudly fueled Dallas ISD’s second Annual Jacketing Ceremony for the Call Me MiSTER Program, celebrating a remarkable group of young men committed to becoming the next generation of educators who will serve as role models, mentors, and leaders in classrooms across Dallas. Community

At N.W. Harllee Early Childhood Center, learning doesn’t end with the final school bell—it comes alive in the evenings, thanks to the inspiring collaboration between PNC, the Dallas Education Foundation (DEF), and Harllee’s dedicated educators. Together, they’ve helped spark a powerful tradition: STEM Night, a highly anticipated monthly celebration of science, technology, engineering, art, and