In 1999, Dr. Rick Reedy, then superintendent of Frisco Independent School District, envisioned a stronger connection between the district and the broader community by investing in graduating seniors and empowering innovative educators. Drawing inspiration from school districts across Texas, he spearheaded the creation of the Frisco Education Foundation. Since its founding, FEF has awarded more than $11 million in scholarships to Frisco ISD seniors and over $1.1 million in classroom grants to support “Great Ideas” in action. Dr. Reedy’s belief in community involvement and support remains a cornerstone of the district’s educational success.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Ashley Sine, FEF operates through four key programs. First, the foundation provides scholarships to Frisco ISD graduating seniors. In 2025, FEF awarded $801,325 in scholarships to 882 students representing all 12 Frisco ISD high schools. The application opens each December and depends on a dedicated team of 250 to 300 volunteers who read and score submissions. Scholarships are funded by more than 100 endowments and donors, each with its own criteria. Some awards focus on academic achievement, others on the arts, and several support specific career paths and fields of study.
FEF’s second priority is providing grants that enhance classroom learning and expand curriculum opportunities. In 2025, $92,129 in education grants were awarded to teachers across the district. The application process opens in May, with grants awarded in November for implementation within the same school year. Applications are reviewed by fellow educators and district administrators. Community partners such as Frisco Garden Club, Frisco Fine Arts, Frisco Police Department, and local businesses are invited to invest in grants that align with their missions.
Sine shared the story of a high school life skills teacher who applied for KitchenAid mixers for her classroom. When the FEF team visited, they discovered multiple kitchen stations, similar to a science lab, and realized each station needed its own mixer. Supporting requests like these helps fill resource gaps and fuels creativity for both educators and students.
Mind Bender camps were among the first programs launched beyond scholarships and grants. These camps invite students to explore STEAM through engaging, hands-on experiences. Originally created by a Leadership Frisco class, the program serves sixth, seventh, and eighth graders during a weeklong summer camp that extends learning beyond the classroom. The I/E Entrepreneur Camp, designed for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, introduces students to entrepreneurship. Participants work alongside community business leaders to learn practical skills for starting a venture. “You would be surprised how smart these kids are and how quickly they grasp business fundamentals,” Sine shared. The 2026 camps will be held June 1 through June 4, with registration available on the FEF website.
INCubator, the foundation’s fourth program, offers students an authentic entrepreneurship experience. The initiative transforms the traditional high school classroom into a collaborative environment centered on project-based learning. Local entrepreneurs and business professionals serve as volunteer coaches and mentors, guiding students as they develop, test, refine, and improve their business concepts. FEF also provides seed funding to help qualifying teams take the next step.
Former Frisco City Manager George Purefoy once noted, “What’s good for the schools is good for the city.” As Frisco has flourished, so have its schools and the Frisco Education Foundation.
This spring, FEF will host its largest fundraising event, the annual gala A Night to Inspire, on April 10 at Omni PGA Frisco Resort. Community members are encouraged to support the foundation by attending or sponsoring the event. Tickets and sponsorship information are available at FriscoEF.org.
FEF has awarded more than $11 million in scholarships to Frisco ISD seniors and over $1.1 million in classroom grants