Stories of Grants & Giving

Refocusing AEF’s Strategic Direction

Written by Zach Snell, Appleton Education Foundation Board Member For the last 27 years, the Appleton Education Foundation (AEF) has raised and directed private funds to bolster the dedicated effort and innovation of educators in their classrooms. Over these nearly … Read More

Grants Awarded: October 2024

The Appleton Education Foundation board of directors recently approved 19 grants totaling more than $17,300 to creatively enhance education for students in the Appleton Area School District.   All funding is from the Appleton Education Foundation Fund, unless otherwise noted. Appleton … Read More

row of golf cars

Knowledge Open 2024

Thank you to the more than 200 golfers who joined us for the 26th annual Knowledge Open on Friday, July 19. We are grateful to all of our sponsors, golfers, and volunteers who made this year the best yet! The … Read More

Grants Awarded: June 2024

The Appleton Education Foundation board of directors recently approved 12 grants totaling more than $17,500 to creatively enhance education for students in the Appleton Area School District.   All funding is from the Appleton Education Foundation Fund, unless otherwise noted. Appleton … Read More

Teacher and students with Tchoukball equipment.

Tchoukball: A Game-Changing Experience

The best educators are always on the lookout for effective ways to challenge their students to develop new skills. Physical Education teacher Bryce Verheyen had this in mind when he introduced the game of Tchoukball to his students at Highlands … Read More

High school and elementary students talking during lunch.

Building Bright Futures through Mentorship

A reenergized Appleton Area School District mentoring program has fifth-graders hanging with high school students as if they were celebrities. Many quickly join in a game of touch football, a simple walk around the playground or excited conversation over lunch. … Read More

Teacher Anthony Palma with students.

Unlocking Mathematical Minds

Anthony Palma’s classroom regularly is abuzz with students working to solve complex geometric puzzles. Palma can be observed crisscrossing the room with a smile as he stops to offer encouragement and advice, clearly enjoying students’ excitement and engagement. A spacial … Read More

Shane and Sheila Kohl in a classroom at Foster Elementary School.

From Classroom to Community: A Legacy of Giving

Shane Kohl has fond memories of his years at Foster Elementary School, where every educator played a significant role in helping him to find his voice. “Every classroom teacher, every staff member, every librarian, every gym teacher, every music teacher … Read More

Grants Awarded: March 2024

The Appleton Education Foundation board of directors recently approved 21 grants totaling more than $28,800 to creatively enhance education for students in the Appleton Area School District.   All funding is from the Appleton Education Foundation Fund, unless otherwise noted. Appleton … Read More

Berry Elementary educator and students pose with Appleton Education Foundation board and staff.

Grants Awarded: December 2023

The Appleton Education Foundation board of directors recently approved 21 grants totaling more than $23,000 to creatively enhance education for students in the Appleton Area School District.   All funding is from the Appleton Education Foundation Fund, unless otherwise noted. Appleton … Read More

Houdini Elementary students and their teacher pose with Appleton Education Foundation board members and grant check.

Grants Awarded: October 2023

The Appleton Education Foundation board of directors recently approved 17 grants totaling nearly $17,000 to creatively enhance education for students in the Appleton Area School District.   All funding is from the Appleton Education Foundation Fund, unless otherwise noted. Appleton Area … Read More

Golfers from Richmond Elementary School.

Knowledge Open 2023

Thank you to the nearly 200 golfers who joined us for the 25th annual Knowledge Open on Friday, July 21. We are grateful to all of our sponsors, golfers, and volunteers who made this year the best yet— and great … Read More

Appleton West educator and students celebrate receiving an AEF grant.

Grants Awarded: May/June 2023

The Appleton Education Foundation board of directors recently approved the following 15 grants totaling more than $20,000 to creatively enhance education for students in the Appleton Area School District.   All funding is from the Appleton Education Foundation Fund, unless otherwise … Read More

Grants Awarded: March 2023

At its March meeting the Appleton Education Foundation board of directors approved the following 20 grants totaling more than $22,000 to creatively enhance education for students in the Appleton Area School District.   Appleton Area School District –  Appleton East High … Read More

Welcome Julie Pahnke to the AEF team!

Hello! My name is Julie Pahnke and I am AEF’s new Grants & Scholarships Manager. In my role, I will manage and further develop the Foundation’s growing grant and scholarship programs. It is a pleasure to be working with the … Read More

Grants Awarded: Dec. 2022

The AEF board of directors approved 14 grants totaling more than $13,000 in the second of four grant cycles during the 2022-23 school year. Appleton East High School$3,000 – to support a student-led community celebration for Black History Month Appleton … Read More

Grants Awarded: Oct. 2022

The AEF board of directors approved 24 grants totaling nearly $20,000 in the first of four grant cycles during the 2022-23 school year. Appleton East High School$2,100 – embroidery equipment for the Maker Space Appleton North High School$400 – cleaning … Read More

2022 Scullen Award recipient: Lee Allinger

Lee Allinger received AEF’s 2022 Thomas G. Scullen Leadership Award on October 12, to recognize his outstanding efforts — past and present — to improve education in the Fox Valley Region. Lee graduated from Appleton East High School and returned … Read More