“Supporting students today builds a stronger community tomorrow,” says Amy Pictor, a member of the Westfield Education Foundation’s Board of Directors and Chair of the Scholarships and Grants Committee.
For almost 40 years, Westfield Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has been focused on supporting students’ learning throughout the Westfield Washington School District by enhancing teaching and learning through the help of education initiatives, teacher grants and student scholarships.
“From funding innovative classroom projects and supplying essential resources to recognizing academic achievement and supporting student well-being, Westfield Education Foundation is deeply rooted in its mission. With a steadfast commitment to empowering students, supporting educators, and meeting the evolving needs of one of the nation’s fastest-growing districts, WEF helps ensure that every Rock is equipped to become Life Ready” says Ashley Knott, Executive Director of the Westfield Education Foundation.
Created in 1986, to aid with funding that would improve the Westfield Washington school district, the Westfield Education Foundation has worked diligently alongside the Westfield community and Westfield Washington Schools to be devoted to providing resources and initiatives that encourage and foster teaching and learning. Through the Westfield Education Foundation over $2.5 million has been raised and distributed to award hundreds of teachers grants, 1000’s of students scholarships, and to create opportunities that garner educational excellence.
“Our success is built on the dedication of our community, and there are countless ways to get involved and make a lasting impact” says Knott.
The Westfield Education Foundation is a volunteer-run organization led by a Board of Directors, ACTS (A Chance to Serve – a leadership program for students), an Executive Director, and an assistant. Westfield Education Foundation also utilizes volunteers to support the Westfield Education Foundation Advisory Committee, to aid in reviewing teacher grant and student scholarship applications, to help with the Shamrock Supply Hub by collecting and distributing free school supplies and to assist with WEF’s two major annual fundraising events the Westfield Education Foundation’s 4th Annual Bourbon & Bling Gala will be held later this year on December 16, 2025 and the 9th Annual TopGolf Event is scheduled for next year, on March 1st.
Westfield Education Foundation is able to present teachers with grants for funding classroom projects and scholarships for graduating students because of the gracious support of community partners, local businesses, legacy donors and of generosity of the Westfield community.
“In Fall 2024, we awarded 47 teacher grants totaling $41,345.41, followed by 5 Spring Impact Grants totaling $6,567.38. These grants supported classrooms across all Westfield Washington Schools, reinforcing our commitment to students, educators, and innovative learning” says Knott.
These grants support educators in projects and programs that promote wellness and mental health, literacy, reading and foreign language, math, science and social studies, innovation and the arts.
Applications are currently available now for teachers, counselors, and administrators for the 2025-2026 school year.
For the 2025 Westfield High School’s graduating class, the Westfield Education Foundation was able to award 41 unique scholarships and awards, distributing $107,400 in scholarships to 69 students. Scholarship criteria is determined by the donor or sponsoring organization and more information regarding the scholarship qualifications or how to establish a scholarship fund can be found on the Westfield Education Foundation’s website.
“Together, we help fuel the future of our students and our community” says Knott.
By supporting Westfield’s Education Foundation, you are helping to secure the students of Westfield academic success.
Visit the Westfield Education Foundation website, wwswef.org. to learn more on how to donate, information regarding fundraising events, how to apply for teacher grants, student scholarships, and how to purchase a Rocks Stadium Blanket whose proceeds benefit the WEF.
