Last year was a big year for the TCOE Foundation. Not only did the organization celebrate its 25^th anniversary, but it took steps to expand its presence and support in Tulare County.

In recent years, the Foundation’s board expanded its mission to include support for students and educators throughout Tulare County that need funding for innovative projects. This support is provided through a grant program, which the Foundation has increased with awards up to $5,000. The Foundation board meets monthly to review grant applications submitted by schools throughout the county.

In 2025, the Foundation received nearly $200,000 in community support and in-kind donations. On top of this, TCOE employees donated $39,000 through voluntary payroll deductions. With this support, the Foundation awarded seven grants and provided support to nearly 20 TCOE programs and countywide events.

Last year, the Foundation also accepted the management of the annual Stars in the Hills Prom in Porterville from the Porterville Rotary Club. This annual event is a magical evening for high school students and young adults with special needs – students served by TCOE AcCEL special day classes and the Community Based Instruction programs.

In December, the Foundation committed to operating a food booth at the World Ag Expo, which runs next week. In time, the board believes that the booth will enable the Foundation to grow, supporting greater numbers of students and educators in Tulare County. Readers visiting the World Ag Expo next week are encouraged to stop by the Foundation booth on N. Greenbelt to purchase tri-tip sandwiches or chicken kabobs in support of Tulare County students.

Schools interested in applying for a grant from the Foundation are encouraged to visit tcoe.org/Foundation. There, the new grant application features better instructions for the applicant, including the budget development and final report requirements. For additional information, contact Jennifer Fisher at jenniferf@tcoe.org or Jaime Burnitzk at jaimeb@tcoe.org.

Photo above:

~ The UPHS theatre production of “Disco Inferno” was one of several programs that received support from the Tulare County Office of Education Foundation in 2025. 

The public is invited to attend and participate in Circle J-Norris Ranch’s Field Science Day on February 13 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

This event is open to teachers, middle and high school students, and community college students. Learn about aquatic species in Circle J's vernal pool and discover the amazing diversity of local plants.

To reserve your spot for Field Science Day, contact lead teacher Amanda Driver. She can be reached at circlej@tcoe.org or 559-539-2263.

For more information, see the flyer.

The Tulare County Office of Education’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Program is proud to announce that applications are now being accepted for the annual Provident-Salierno Pursuing Victory with Honor Senior Scholarships. The deadline to apply is March 27, 2026.

The scholarships are available for up to four graduating seniors who plan to attend a college or university in the fall of 2026, possess a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA, and exhibit exceptional sportsmanship, school and community service, and leadership.

Pursuing Victory with Honor is the character education program developed by the creators of CHARACTER COUNTS! as a tool for coaches to instill good sportsmanship in their players. The Provident-Salierno Family Foundation generously supports the annual scholarship for seniors who demonstrate exemplary character on and off the field.

Tulare County seniors are invited to submit their scholarship applications – which will include an essay and two letters of recommendation – by March 27. To apply for the PVWH scholarship, complete the application at https://tcoe.org/PVWHScholarship.

For additional information, contact CHARACTER COUNTS! coordinator Zoty Briceño at 559-737-6349.

Editor: Robert Herman, Communications Director
Contributors: Nayirah Dosu, Jennifer Fisher, Jaime Burnitzki, Amanda Driver, Zoty Briceño

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