New and existing Oklahoma mentoring programs that serve students in grades K-12 can now apply for Boren Mentoring Initiative Grants from the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.

The foundation offers two types of grants. Organizations and programs in their first three years of operation can apply for start-up grants of $3,000, while existing mentoring programs are eligible for $1,500 opportunity grants to help fund programming, training, materials or other needs that advance excellence in mentoring. There will be two start-up grants and six opportunity grants available for the 2024 grant cycle.

“We are so excited to be able to offer these grants to promote quality mentoring,” said Lauren Dow, manager of the Boren Mentoring Initiative. “Past grant recipients have used these funds in a variety of incredible ways, whether it’s peer-to-peer mentoring, virtual tutoring services or pairing students with community role models as mentors. We’re looking forward to seeing what innovative ideas our applicants present this year.”

To be eligible, programs must serve K-12 age children in Oklahoma. Preference is given to organizations that work in partnership with local public schools. Programs must also conduct background checks on all mentors, agree to report quantitative and qualitative outcomes, and 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.

The deadline to submit applications is Jan. 15, 2024. Applications are available at OFE.org.

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence is a statewide nonprofit that recognizes and encourages excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools. The foundation’s David and Molly Boren Mentoring Initiative promotes the growth and development of quality mentoring programs in Oklahoma.  

A group of students stand in front of colorful flowers in planters.
Cache students create planters for local businesses and senior citizens as part of a community services day for the BEST! Mentoring Program. BEST (Building Extraordinary Success Today), a community-based mentoring program sponsored by the Cache Schools Education Foundation, received a 2022 Boren Mentoring Initiative Start-up Grant. Launched in 2019, the program matches fifth-12th graders with a positive role model in the community.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma fifth- and eighth-grade teachers can apply now for fellowships to attend the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute in summer 2024 in the restored capital city of 18th-century Virginia.

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence coordinates the selection of teachers from the state to participate in the renowned teacher institute.

To apply, educators can visit ofe.org. The deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 1. The fifth-grade teacher institute will take place June 2-June 7, 2024, while the eighth-grade teacher institute will be June 9-14, 2024.

The fellowships cover program activities, airfare, lodging and most meals. Each teacher also receives a $300 stipend for classroom materials.

Teachers will meet character interpreters of 18th-century people and be immersed in early American history through hands-on activities and reenactments at Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest living history museum. Participants will meet daily with a Master Teacher to discuss interactive teaching techniques and develop creative lesson ideas.

“It was a gift to experience Colonial Williamsburg and the surrounding areas firsthand,” said Lisa Wilkins, a middle school social studies teacher at Chickasha’s Pioneer Public School who participated in the teacher institute in 2023. “I think my students and I will most benefit from the network of other educators from around the country that shared this experience with me. It is invaluable to be able to support and connect with those teachers and share ideas that engage and improve our students’ classroom experiences.”

Oklahoma’s fifth-grade teacher institute is open to fifth-grade social studies/history teachers and resource teachers, such as school librarians or gifted-talented teachers, who plan to teach U.S. history in their schools in 2024-2025. Their sessions will focus on the daily life of colonial Virginians and the transition from subject to citizen that occurred during the Revolutionary War period.

Oklahoma eighth-grade classroom teachers who will teach U.S. history as part of their social studies curriculum can apply for fellowships to attend the program for secondary teachers. Their sessions will examine how the concept of American identity began in the colonial period and continues to evolve and transform with each generation. Through inquiry-based analysis of primary sources, teachers will explore how that identity influenced American citizens to shape and change the Republic through the 1860s.

The fellowships are available to public and private school teachers. Participants are asked to share materials, skills and experiences with fellow teachers upon their return from the institute.

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, a nonprofit that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools, has coordinated Oklahoma’s participation in the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute since 1993. The program is made possible through the leadership and support of the late Oklahoma City businessman Edward C. Joullian III. Joullian was an active supporter and former board member of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and a trustee of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. Joullian’s family, along with a group of loyal donors, continues to support the fellowship program, which has served 946 Oklahoma teachers to date.

Hadiqa Aslam, a fifth-grade teacher at Putnam City Public Schools’ Hilldale Elementary School, visits the Governor’s Palace in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, during a 2023 teacher institute.
Hadiqa Aslam, a fifth-grade teacher at Putnam City Public Schools’ Hilldale Elementary School, visits the Governor’s Palace in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, during a 2023 teacher institute.
Jennifer Day, a fifth-grade teacher at Classen School of Advanced Studies Middle School in Oklahoma City, meets with character interpreters in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, during a 2023 teacher institute.
Jennifer Day, a fifth-grade teacher at Classen School of Advanced Studies Middle School in Oklahoma City, meets with character interpreters in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, during a 2023 teacher institute.
Mustang teachers Taylir Thompson, Amy Wright and Lindsay Cross pose with a character interpreter in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, during a 2023 teacher institute.
Mustang teachers Taylir Thompson, Amy Wright and Lindsay Cross pose with a character interpreter in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, during a 2023 teacher institute.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Applications are open for Fund for Teachers fellowships, which give Oklahoma educators who teach pre-K through 12th grade the opportunity to pursue self-designed professional learning.

Individual teachers may apply for up to $5,000, while teacher teams may apply for up to $10,000 in grant funds. Applications are online at fundforteachers.org and open until 5 p.m. Jan. 18.

Oklahoma’s 2023 recipients used their grants for a wide variety of experiences, including leading an excursion in Costa Rica to experience the country’s rainforest and ocean ecosystems, exploring fairy tales and folklore in Europe, and attending The Ron Clark Academy, a demonstration school in Atlanta with hands-on workshops.

Oklahoma’s grants are made possible through a partnership between Fund for Teachers, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence and the Tulsa Community Foundation.

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence is a nonprofit that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools.

“These fellowships provide such amazing opportunities for Oklahoma teachers,” said Elizabeth Inbody, executive director of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. “They are able to absorb the things they experience and then put that knowledge back into a classroom setting, greatly enriching their students’ learning opportunities.”

To be eligible, teachers must spend at least 50% of their time directly providing instruction to students, must be returning to the classroom in the consecutive school year, and must have at least three years’ experience teaching pre-K through 12th grade at the end of the current school year.

For more information about Fund for Teachers grants for Oklahoma teachers, visit fundforteachers.org or contact Fund for Teachers Oklahoma Program Coordinator Lauren Dow at ldow@ofe.org or 405-236-0006.

Oklahoma’s 2023 Fund for Teachers Fellowship Recipients
Kelsi Blue, Singleton Elementary School, Arkoma
Jinafer Brown, Jenks High School, Jenks
Stacey Burnette, Arkoma High School, Arkoma
Deji Dugger, Eisenhower Elementary School, Norman
Guinnevere Geyer, Roosevelt Middle School, Oklahoma City
Vanessa Gilley, Eufaula Elementary School, Eufaula
Johnnie Keel, Truman Elementary School, Norman
Jammie Kimmel, Northwood Elementary School, Piedmont
Andi Motz, Jenks West Intermediate Elementary School, Jenks
Laura Pope, Northwood Elementary School, Piedmont
Evan Reininger, Deer Creek Middle School, Deer Creek
George Spears, Arkoma High School, Arkoma
Misty Spears, Singleton Elementary School, Arkoma
Kelly Walvoord, Rose Union Elementary School, Deer Creek
Hailey Wansick, Santa Fe High School, Edmond
Jess Wells, Singleton Elementary School, Arkoma
Delicia White, Eufaula Middle School, Eufaula

Eufaula Middle School teacher Delicia White holds a Funds for Teachers sign as she stands amidst tropical vegetation in Costa Rica with the Arenal Volcano in the background
Eufaula Middle School teacher Delicia White visited the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica during her EcoTeach excursion in Costa Rica.
Deer Creek Middle School educator Evan Reininger stands in front of a canal in Copenhagen with colorful buildings in the background.
Deer Creek Middle School educator Evan Reininger visited Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo to learn what makes the region a world leader in sustainability.
Norman elementary school teachers Johnnie Keel, left, and Deji Dugger pose with a Fund for Teachers sign in front of the rocks of Stonehenge.
Norman elementary school teachers Johnnie Keel, left, and Deji Dugger visited Stonehenge during their time in England.

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, a nonprofit that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools, has named Hayley Riggs McGhee as its communications director.

“We are so excited to welcome Hayley to the foundation,” said Elizabeth Inbody, executive director. “Hayley brings fresh perspectives, innovation and expertise to our team.”

McGhee, a Roland native, was a recipient of OFE’s Academic All-State Award in 2000. She is the first Academic All-State alumna to join the foundation’s staff.

“Being named an Academic All-Stater was an incredible honor that helped instill confidence in me at a pivotal time in my life,” McGhee said. “I’m thrilled to be able to be a part of a foundation that does such vital work. As a proud product of Oklahoma public schools, the opportunity to help honor public school students and educators is deeply meaningful to me.”

McGhee previously served as the creative manager for the Travel Promotion Division of the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department and is a former assistant sports editor at The Oklahoman. A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence was founded in 1985 by then U.S. Sen. David L. Boren to strengthen support for public education in Oklahoma. Through its flagship Academic Awards Program, the foundation presents $175,000 annually to honor outstanding public school students and educators. The foundation’s Oklahoma School Foundations Network provides free training, resources and networking opportunities to new and established school foundations.

Among its other initiatives, the foundation partners with Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute and Fund for Teachers to provide unique and impactful professional development opportunities to Oklahoma educators. Through its statewide mentoring initiative, the foundation promotes quality youth mentoring as a positive step toward academic success.

Hayley Riggs McGhee, Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Communications Director

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, a nonprofit that recognizes and encourages excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools, has added five members to its Board of Trustees.

Appointed to serve three-year terms are Shoney Blake, counsel at Pipestem Law, Tulsa; Patsy Mann, retired educator, Checotah; Laura Reed, retired educator, Foraker; Leonelle E. Thompson, manager of Early Career Development at Williams, Tulsa; and Dr. Melissa Woolridge, principal of Booker T. Washington High School, Tulsa.

“The foundation is truly honored to welcome this group of incredible community leaders to our board,” said Elizabeth Inbody, executive director of the foundation. “Their knowledge and enthusiasm will be invaluable to us, and we look forward to collaborating with them.”

One of the keys to the foundation’s success is the leadership of its 140 trustees. These leaders in business, education and public service represent every region of the state and help promote the foundation’s mission and its programs.

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence was founded in 1985 by then U.S. Sen. David L. Boren to strengthen support for public education in Oklahoma. Through its flagship Academic Awards Program, the foundation presents $175,000 annually to honor outstanding public school students and educators. The foundation’s Oklahoma School Foundations Network provides free training, resources and networking opportunities to new and established school foundations.

Among its other initiatives, the foundation coordinates a summer fellowship program to send Oklahoma fifth- and eighth-grade teachers to the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute. Through its statewide mentoring initiative, the foundation promotes quality youth mentoring as a positive step toward academic success.

More Information on the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence’s New Trustees

Shoney Blake, Tulsa: A citizen of the Choctaw Nation, Shoney Blake practices Federal Indian and tribal law at Pipestem Law, P.C. where she has represented clients in federal litigation and co-authored amicus briefs on behalf of the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center and the National Congress of American Indians at the U.S. Supreme Court and in federal appellate and district courts. Prior to joining Pipestem Law, Blake served as the Resident Fellow of Muwekma-Tah-Ruk, Stanford University’s American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander theme house where she focused on building a residential community supportive of resident and student community members’ academic and emotional needs and on ensuring continuation of community support post-graduation by creating opportunities for undergraduates to connect with indigenous alumni. A 2002 Academic All-State alumna, Blake serves on the boards of the Stanford Indigenous Alumni Association and Tulsa Literary Coalition. She is also a member of Stanford University’s Multicultural Hall of Fame.

Patsy Mann, Checotah: Patsy Mann is retired from 35 years of teaching English in Oklahoma public schools. The last 27 were spent teaching at Checotah High School, from which she graduated. She also taught in Henryetta and Oktaha. Mann earned a master’s degree from Northeastern Oklahoma State University. Mann earned her National Board Certification in teaching and served as president of Oklahoma Council of Teachers of English. She was honored three times as district Teacher of the Year at Checotah and once at Oktaha. She was a finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year in 1994-95, which gave her the opportunity to attend Goals 2000 in Washington, D.C., and International Space Camp. The VFW named her secondary Teacher of the Year for Oklahoma in 2000. She was named an Educator of Distinction by the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation. Mann has also been a finalist for OFE’s Medal for Excellence Award in secondary teaching and has attended the foundation’s Academic Awards Banquet multiple times as an honored teacher guest for Academic All-Staters. Among her many volunteer activities, Mann serves on the board of the Checotah Foundation for Academic Excellence.

Laura Reed, Foraker: Laura Reed comes from a family of educators. She taught at Ponca City High School before moving to the ranch to work with her husband. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and a master’s degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Educational Leadership. Before teaching, Reed also worked as the coordinator for High School and College Relations at Northern Oklahoma College. In the evenings, Reed also taught GED courses as well as English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes with Pioneer Technology Center in Ponca City. Reed is a member of Pawhuska United Methodist Church and active in her PEO chapter. Reed and her husband Taylor have two children, Gentry (8) and Gideon (4). Reed spends her time now volunteering and supporting Pawhuska Public Schools, where her children attend. 

Leonelle E. Thompson, Tulsa: Leonelle Thompson is the manager of Early Career Development at Williams in Tulsa.  She leads the group that is responsible for university recruiting, the internship and new hire rotational programs, and the learning and development of young talent who begin their career at Williams. Thompson graduated in 2004 with her BSBA in Accounting and in 2005 with an MBA from the University of Tulsa.  She spent almost 13 years in the oil and gas industry with ConocoPhillips and with QuikTrip in a variety of roles including taxation and financial accounting, revenue accounting, and corporate recruiting and training.  Prior to her current role, Thompson served as assistant dean and director of the Business Career Center in the Collins College of Business at the University of Tulsa and director of Career and Professional Development at Langston University. Thompson is a member of MOSAIC, the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s diversity business council.  She also serves on the development committee for KIPP Tulsa and is a board member for CityYear Tulsa and the Thunder Fellows Program, which strives to introduce underrepresented students to the world of STEM. 

Dr. Melissa Woolridge, Tulsa: Melissa Woolridge, Ph.D. has been principal of Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa since 2017. Prior to being appointed the school leader of her alma mater, Dr. Woolridge served as the principal of George Washington Carver Middle School for eight years. Most of Dr. Woolridge’s career in K-12 education has been with Tulsa Public Schools where she has served as a classroom teacher, dean of students, principal intern, and assistant principal. During her tenure at George Washington Carver Middle School, the school was named a National Blue Ribbon School and Dr. Woolridge was named a finalist for Oklahoma Middle School Principal of the Year. Dr. Woolridge has also served as a college science instructor and, prior to academia, served as a Virology Laboratory technician for the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Oklahoma State University. Dr. Woolridge and her husband Michael are the proud parents of two daughters, Morgan, a Ph.D. candidate, and Michelle, a 2022 Oklahoma Academic All-State Scholar and current Stamps Scholar at the University of Missouri.

Shoney Blake, OFE trustee
Shoney Blake, OFE trustee
Patsy Mann, OFE trustee
Patsy Mann, OFE trustee
Laura Reed, OFE trustee
Laura Reed, OFE trustee
Leonelle Thompson, OFE trustee
Leonelle Thompson, OFE trustee
Dr. Melissa Woolridge, OFE trustee
Dr. Melissa Woolridge, OFE trustee