Ephrata Area Education Foundation

05/28/2026

We’re excited to share that STEAM kits have been purchased as rewards for students at Highland Elementary School! These hands-on kits will give students fun, engaging opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math while celebrating their hard work and achievements. The school is using their book vending machine (purchased several years ago through Foundation money) to dispense cards that are then traded in for the STEAM kits. A very creative vending machine model which displays the STEAM kit options is on display in the cafeteria as an incentive.

We love recognizing student success in meaningful ways, and these rewards are more than just prizes—they’re tools that encourage curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. We are excited to see our students learn, build, and discover through these exciting STEAM experiences.

Thank you to everyone who helps support opportunities like these for our school community. Investments in our students today help inspire the thinkers, creators, and innovators of tomorrow!

05/21/2026

A huge thank you to Windsor-Mount Joy Mutual Insurance Company for being a sponsor of our 2026 EAEF golf tournament!

Windsor-Mount Joy Mutual Insurance Company is a trusted property and casualty insurance provider serving the Mid-Atlantic through independent agents. Their insurance products include coverage for homes, rental properties, businesses, farms, and more.

We are grateful for their support and commitment to helping make a difference for students in the Ephrata Area School District community!

05/19/2026

A few of the Lancaster County Education Foundation Directors recently launched quarterly in-person meetings to collaborate, share ideas, and strengthen the impact of education foundations across our communities. With a shared focus on supporting students and building stronger communities, we are coming together to help one another grow stronger foundations that create meaningful opportunities for the students we serve. Together, we can do even more!

*Pictured from left to right:
Audrey McClune, Conestoga Valley Foundation ED
Becky Doumaux, Manheim Township Foundation ED
Jan Mindish, Penn Manor Foundation ED
Barb Mobley, Warwick Foundation ED
Kevin Fillgrove, Hempfield Foundation ED
Crystal Smeltzer, Ephrata Foundation ED

05/18/2026

Ames Construction, based in Ephrata for their entire 52 years as a business, cares deeply about their community, and supporting EAEF is a great way that they, as a company, has poured back into their community and the kids who live here.

05/14/2026

Today was a good day at FCCB's Not for Profit Business Connect. From learning ways to gain volunteers, tips for better grant applications, and learning better security steps to take with your business's finances, FCCB delivered a wonderful lunch and learn.

On top of that, EAEF won a $500 donation!

Thank you FCCB for an amazing day of learning!

05/12/2026

What an incredible day at the EAEF Golf Tournament this year at Iron Valley Golf Course! ⛳️☀️

The sun was shining, the golfers had an amazing day on the course, and we truly couldn’t have asked for better weather or a better turnout. It was wonderful to see so many people come together in support of EAEF and enjoy such a fantastic day.

We are incredibly grateful to all of our sponsors, everyone who joined us, our amazing volunteers, and our talented photographer, Lindsay Grace Photography, for helping make this year’s EAEF Golf Tournament such a tremendous success.

Thank you for being part of such a special day. We are already looking forward to next year! 🏌️

05/06/2026

Looking for something to do after work this Thursday, May 7? Head on over to the Northern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce Expo at Ironspire Complex!

Join us from 4:30–7:00 PM to connect with over 90 local businesses and nonprofits. Spark great conversations, enjoy food, beer, and wine, and make it a night of meaningful connections.

Be sure to stop by the Ephrata Area Education Foundation table to chat with board member and Venture Grant Committee Chair Susan Doub—she’d love to connect!

05/04/2026

During Teacher Appreciation Week, we take a moment to recognize the incredible dedication, compassion, and impact of every educator in the Ephrata Area School District.

Your commitment to shaping young minds, supporting students through challenges, and inspiring a love of learning does not go unnoticed. We are truly grateful for all that you do, today and every day.

Thank you for making a difference in our community.

04/30/2026

Second graders at Highland Elementary had the opportunity to put together a Drawbot from a Kiwicrate!

Second grade teacher Holly Criniti shared:

"Thanks to the EAEF, they first started by collaborating together to build a motor for the robot. We learned and practiced physics through art by exploring balanced and unbalanced forces. Students had to adjust the Drawbot’s design and investigate the results by looking at speed and vibration. They adapted their Drawbot to produce a specific type of drawing using only the materials given. They were able to examine cause and effect and experimenting and designing. By tampering and adjusting with multiple variables, they were able to produce new patterns with the markers on paper. We also earned that unbalanced forces can cause changes in an objects speed and direction!"

04/27/2026

Tim McCormick, EASD Director of Technology and one of the driving forces behind the EAEF Signature Program Coding Contest, recently spoke at the Denver-Ephrata Rotary.

He shared valuable insights on how technology is shaping the future of education and the incredible opportunities it creates for EASD students.

We are truly grateful for Tim and all that he does to support innovation, inspire learning, and help prepare students for what lies ahead!

Thank you to Rotarian Kent Sweigart for having Tim & Brad present to our club last week! 🟡🔵