The Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FEEF) was formed in 1996 to promote and enrich educational opportunities for all Fairhope public school students. Our vision is to create the best schools in the nation! The guiding principles are that every child has a right to an excellent education and that an investment in the Fairhope public schools is an investment in the Fairhope community.

The foundation was formed as a result of a request from the principal of the Fairhope K-1 Center to explore the possibility of building a marine science lab. This signature project grew from a $30,000 commitment to the $230,000 award-winning Pelican’s Nest Science Lab currently housed at the Fairhope K-1 Center. It provides environmental education to public and private school students from all over Baldwin County and consistently receives awards at the state and national level.

In 2002, Charlene Dindo, the Pelican’s Nest Director, received an Albert Einstein Fellowship. She was one of just 11 in the nation to be selected for this award and is the first from the State of Alabama. Just as the Pelican’s Nest project grew, so also did the foundation. Community members quickly saw the benefit of a non-profit public school foundation.

Currently, there are 24 members on the Board of Directors comprised of business leaders, community members, former educators and two staff members. In addition, ex-officio members include the Baldwin County Public Schools superintendent, the mayor of Fairhope, the School Board representative, a City Council representative, principals, and teacher representatives from each school. The board members believe that a strong school system reflects a strong community.

Impact

FEEF has made a significant difference in the community and the schools. Our greatest impact is the difference FEEF has made in the classroom with students. All of the  Classroom Grants awarded by FEEF have gone directly to the teachers for use with their students. FEEF has given money to the school libraries and to the high school for band instruments.

FEEF provides enrichment by helping teachers through professional development opportunities and a vertical teaming initiative which reduces the overlaps and omits gaps in the curriculum of each discipline.  FEEF has pledged $250,000 to the new theater and arts complex at Fairhope High School. FEEF has initiated the Alabama Star Award for 4th graders and Young Patriot Award for 5th graders to encourage and challenge students to dig deeper into history and civics.  Most recently, FEEF has added an after-school enrichment program and a Spanish language curriculum at the elementary school level.  By working closely with the Baldwin County Board of Education, FEEF is able to help with positive outcomes such as obtaining flat-top desks for all the schools to aid in their science experiments through the AMSTI initiative and supporting Fairhope High School’s effort to bring the International Baccalaureate program to Fairhope.

FEEF has also initiated a successful tutoring program that supports almost 250 students in our schools.  The program runs through the school year, and recently, FEEF added a summer tutoring program.

Many community members have also shown their support of FEEF by displaying large FEEF magnets on their cars and by placing “Sold on FEEF” signs in their yards during FEEF Week. Contributors to FEEF include grandparents, retirees, parents, businesses, educators, students, civic organizations, etc. The Kiwanis Club, Point Clear and Fairhope Rotary Clubs and local Masonic Lodge have partnered with FEEF to support goals and objectives. A foundation like FEEF can be established in any community! The benefits are unlimited!