A handmade blanket may seem like a simple gift, but for the students of South County Middle School, the annual Blankets for Veterans project is about much more than fleece and fabric. It is about connection, gratitude, and honoring those who served. On June 2, 2026, 55 students traveled to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., to greet Honor Flight veterans with handmade blankets, heartfelt cards, and personal messages. This year, students welcomed 24 veterans from A

On May 28, 2026 Educate Fairfax celebrated the Class of 2026 at our second annual Beyond the Tassel event, an inspiring evening dedicated to honoring students and the bright paths ahead of them. This year, we awarded a record $91,500 in scholarships to 47 graduating seniors representing 18 Fairfax County Public Schools high schools. Each scholarship reflects not only academic achievement, but also perseverance, leadership and the promise each student carries into their next c

Recipients of the Fairfax Alliance of Black School Educators Scholarship stand with representatives of FABSE and Dr. Lynette Henry, executive director of Educate Fairfax on May 28, 2026. Forty-seven scholarships were given to students representing 18 FCPS high schools at the second annual Beyond the Tassel event. Educate Fairfax recently celebrated the accomplishments and future aspirations of Fairfax County Public Schools seniors during its second annual Beyond the Tassel sc

Irene Rosenbaum with students from Crestwood Elementary School. In the weeks leading up to her unexpected passing, Irene Rosenbaum was preparing school supplies for students in Mrs. Vigorito's third-grade class at Crestwood Elementary School. It was something she had done every summer for 17 years. That wasn’t the only thing she did for the third-grade students. She made blankets, sewed recorder pajamas (handmade sleeves for students’ recorder instruments), baked cupcakes for

For Pastor Marion Mason, Fairfax County isn’t just where he grew up—it’s where his purpose took root. A 1997 graduate of Hayfield Secondary School, Marion’s journey from student to community leader is a powerful example of what can grow from FCPS roots, giving back, building strong connections, and creating opportunities for others along the way. A Foundation Built on Service Marion’s journey to becoming the lead pastor of NOVA Community Church didn’t follow a straight path.

Educate Fairfax raised more than $11,000 to support Fairfax County Public Schools through its first-ever Dink & Donate Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Educate Fairfax is the only nonprofit dedicated to solely supporting FCPS, and the tournament was designed to raise awareness and rally support for the importance of public education in our community. Hosted at DTL - Down the Line in Annandale, the tournament brought together more than 70 teachers, students,

When educators are given the resources to bring their ideas to life, students gain access to experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and open doors to future opportunities. Educator Innovation Grants, formerly known as Educate Fairfax Grants, make that possible. Each year, educators across Fairfax County Public Schools identify creative, meaningful ways to engage their students, but many of those ideas require funding beyond what schools and teachers can provide

Some of the most important journeys in a young person’s life begin quietly, with a book. It might start with a story read before bedtime, a classroom novel that sparks curiosity, or a trip to the library that opens a door to something entirely new. Those moments of discovery are more than just reading practice. They build imagination, confidence, and the habits that shape future leaders. That simple connection between reading and opportunity is the inspiration behind this yea

Educate Fairfax is excited to host its first-ever Dink & Donate for Education Pickleball Tournament, a high-energy day of community, competition, and commitment to public education in Fairfax County. Held at DTL Annandale, this all-day indoor event invites players of every skill level to grab a paddle and make a difference. From first-time beginners learning the basics to competitive players ready to bring their A-game, every rally supports students and educators across Fair