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2026 Outstanding Program Award Winners
Tiger Tutoring, Fort Gibson Education Foundation
Through the foundation’s partnership with Armstrong Bank, Fort Gibson High School students are gaining job experience while helping first graders learn.
Tiger Tutoring allows juniors and seniors to serve as after school tutors for first graders. They participate in a traditional hiring process that includes filling out applications, interviewing and completing new hire paperwork. Armstrong Bank provides the tutors with personal financial literacy training. Bank staff walk them through opening an account, initiating direct deposit and getting a debit card, along with providing education on fees and investing.
For three days a week, each high schooler works with two or three first graders on improving reading skills. The first graders are selected based on academic need, and each tutor is supervised by an early childhood teacher.
“This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when schools and businesses come together with a shared purpose,” said Cheryl Hill, principal of Fort Gibson Early Learning Center. “By investing in our youngest learners and empowering our high school students as leaders, we are strengthening not only academic achievement, but the future of our entire community.”
Building Bridges, Moore Public Schools Foundation
T-Up for OKCPS is an annual campaign that activates the community to foster support for public education by purchasing and wearing bilingual “OKCPS Champion” T-shirts. This year’s shirts share the message Together, Somos Más Fuertes.
On May 8, the same day as the foundation’s Stars of Education event, the foundation asks the community to wear their T-shirts in a visible and united show of support for public education.
“T-Up for OKCPS is more than just a fundraiser,” said Kendra Horn, president and CEO of the OKCPS Foundation. “It’s more than just T-shirts. It is an advocacy campaign that educates and activates the community to support the teachers, students and staff of Oklahoma City Public Schools.”
Businesses who join in as sponsors have their logos displayed on the back of the shirts. The foundation also recruits ambassadors who share why they support OKCPS and encourage others to purchase shirts.
Since the program launched in 2022, the amount raised has increased each year. In 2024, T-Up for OKCPS raised $110,000, and the 2025 campaign goal is $120,000.
The 2025 limited-edition shirts are on sale for $25 from Feb. 28-April 3 and can be purchased at okckids.com/t-up.
EFM Trivia Challenge, Education Foundation of Muskogee
The foundation’s annual fundraiser brings together the Muskogee community to engage in a friendly game of team trivia. EFM Trivia Challenge is still going strong after more than 20 years. It draws around 450 participants and has significant corporate sponsorship, with more than 40 tables sold each year.
The event brings in $35,000 to $45,000 annually, allowing the foundation to grow its endowment and increase the number of grants it provides to classroom teachers. More than 40 grants are funded annually, and an off-cycle grant application has been established to meet needs that arise throughout the year.
Foundation board member Melony Carey said the event has been an excellent way to unite the community in support of education.
“When the adults are challenged to test their knowledge in an evening of trivia, learning and education come to the forefront of everyone’s thinking,” Carey said. “And it’s fun for a good cause!”
