  PEF hits 30 years helping public schools
The Public Education Foundation of Evansville, Inc. is celebrating their 30th anniversary beginning this month. PEF was incorporated on November 15, 1985 by innovators who sought to support and expand excellence in public education. Today, 30 years later, PEF has provided grants of more than $7 million to fund more than 2,500 different projects and programs.
“We believe we have touched the lives of more than 330,000 students,†said Executive Director Amy Walker. (Agency founders include, Albert Umbach Jr., and early board members Cal Dentino, WD “Turk†Walton, Sally Becker, Ray Justice)
An invitation-only reception will be held November 19 to honor past presidents and decades of supporters. (invite attached for media FYI)
Although PEF works closely with the EVSC, it has always been an autonomous not-for-profit organization with an independent staff and board. The agency does, at times, include private and parochial schools and schools in surrounding counties in its programming.
PEF provides direct funding to local public schools and teachers for innovative, student-centered programs.  The agency’s signature projects include
- House Project – 29 years of construction!
- Summer Musical — 28th year coming up!Â
- Technology and Innovation Showcase – unique student-led event for all ages!
- Career Exploration Day – this year welcomed 3,100 7th-12th graders!
- Providing grants and scholarships to local students, scholars and teachers –Â last year more than $75,000!
The mission of the Public Education of Evansville, Inc. (PEF) is “inspiring and rewarding student-centered innovation in public education.â€â€¯ The PEF Board, supporters and staff believe that high quality public education is fundamental to the economic, cultural and civic health of our society; and that all students deserve the best possible public education in order to realize their full potential.
More details about a few PEF Major Programs.
PEF’s first flagship project was The House Project. PEF allows students to actually build a house and gain construction skills. The partnership has produced 28 moderately priced homes. Approximately 200 students per year learn their trade on this house.
The Summer Musical is the most identifiable Foundation program. The Musical allows nearly 100 high school students annually to perform in a large-scale Broadway-like musical production that has been an anticipated tradition for 27 years.
Grants, Gifts, Scholarships are a large part of PEF’s work. PEF provides teachers and schools with Excellence in Education grants and Rotary/PEF/Love Foundation grants annually. These grants provide teachers with supplies, technology, and are often used to start programs for the students. The TJ Maxx Foundation funds Teacher Professional Development grants through PEF and Vectren offers Students in Sustainability grants via PEF.
Career Exploration Day is a partnership of PEF and Jr. Achievement of SW Indiana. This event invites local professionals to have face-to-face conversations with students about how to plan for future employment opportunities with their business or industry. This allows 7th through 12th graders to educate themselves on careers in the Tri-State and make class enrollment decisions.
