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Month: September 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence is accepting applications for its 2027 mentoring grants. New and existing Oklahoma mentoring programs that serve students in grades K-12 are eligible to apply.

Organizations can apply for up to $3,000 in funding. Grants can be used for programming, training, materials, startup costs or other expenses that advance excellence in mentoring.

“Across Oklahoma, mentors are positively impacting students’ lives and improving classroom outcomes,” said Elizabeth Inbody, OFE chief executive officer. “We’re proud to offer these grants to help quality mentoring organizations establish and strengthen their programs and expand their reach.”

To be eligible, programs must:

  • Serve public school students in grades K-12.
  • Provide proof of 501(c)(3) status or proof of an agreement with a local public school district or other qualified 501(c)(3) umbrella organization.
  • Conduct background checks on all mentors.
  • Agree to report quantitative and qualitative outcomes.

Applications are available at OFE.org. The submission deadline is 5 p.m. Nov. 30, 2026.

During the 2026 grant cycle, OFE awarded 13 grants that are expected to impact more than 900 K-12 students across Oklahoma. The 2026 grant recipients were Alpha Community Foundation of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City; Center for Children and Families, Inc., Norman; Granville Community Music School, Oklahoma City; Jubilee Partners, Oklahoma City; Kingfisher Education Foundation SWARM (Students With a Role Model), Kingfisher; Link One Mentoring Program, One True Light, Duncan; Pansy Kidd Middle School Mentoring Program, Poteau; Pursuit of Prosperity Strategies, Tulsa; Putnam City Schools Foundation Mentor Program, Oklahoma City; Taloga School P.A.N.T.H.E.R.S. (Partners And Neighbors of Taloga Helping Empower and Reach Students) Mentoring Program, Taloga; The Dream Center Mentoring Program, Oklahoma City; Things Happening Youth Program Inc, Tulsa; and Yukon Public Schools Miller Mentors, Yukon.

OFE is a statewide, nonpartisan nonprofit that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools. The foundation elevates public education through esteemed honors, mentoring grants, support for public school foundations and partnerships that provide exceptional professional development to educators.

Norman High School student Emelyn Christopher, left, works with an elementary school student as part of the Norman Public Schools Spanish Mentoring Program.
Norman High School student Emelyn Christopher, left, works with an elementary school student as part of the Norman Public Schools Spanish Mentoring Program.

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence is now accepting nominations for the Medal for Excellence, one of the state’s most prestigious teaching honors.

The Medal for Excellence recognizes public school educators for their passion and innovation, commitment to professional development, and extraordinary impact on student learning.

OFE awards one Medal for Excellence annually in each of five categories: Elementary Teaching, Secondary Teaching, Elementary/Secondary Administration, Regional University/Community College Teaching and Research University Teaching.

“Greatness is happening in Oklahoma’s public school classrooms, and we are honored to celebrate these incredible educators who inspire and challenge their students,” said Elizabeth Inbody, OFE’s chief executive officer. “When we recognize teachers, we send a powerful message about the importance of their work and the essential role public education plays in our state’s future. When we elevate excellence, we elevate Oklahoma.”

Anyone can nominate an educator for the award, including colleagues, community members and students.

Nominations can be submitted at OFE.org through 5 p.m. Sept. 30.

An independent selection committee made up of business, education and civic leaders — including past Medal for Excellence recipients — chooses the honorees.

The 2027 recipients will be honored May 8 at OFE’s 41st annual Academic Awards Celebration at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Each honoree will receive a $5,000 award, a medal and a “Roots and Wings” sculpture.

OFE is a statewide, nonpartisan nonprofit that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools. Founded in 1985, the foundation elevates public education through esteemed honors, support for public school foundations, grants to K-12 mentoring programs, and partnerships that provide quality professional development for educators.

From left, Amanda Hundley, Darcy Pippins, Dr. Randall Kolar, Scott Farmer and Dr. Jennifer Edwards were the recipients of the 2026 Medal for Excellence awards. AJ Stegall Photography

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