More than 200 guests filled the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County’s Center for Public School Excellence and Innovation Thursday evening to celebrate one of the most inspiring nights of the year — the GoTeach! Classroom Grant Awards Ceremony.
This year’s event awarded over $200,000 in classroom grants to dozens of exceptional teachers whose creativity and passion are transforming education across Palm Beach County. From literacy and STEM to social-emotional learning and financial literacy, these innovative projects embody the theme “Mission: Possible” — empowering educators to ignite curiosity, close learning gaps, and help students build brighter futures.
A Celebration of Innovation and Impact
The evening began with a lively Welcome Reception featuring student performances by the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts Jazz Band, Seminole Ridge Community High School’s Sips, Scents & Suds team, Palm Beach Lakes Community High School’s Esports Academy, and culinary creations by West Boca Raton Community High School’s Culinary Academy.
Following the reception, guests gathered for the Awards Ceremony, recognizing more than 70 innovative projects funded through GoTeach!, GoReach!, and Innovation Awards. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, support initiatives that advance key district priorities in:
Literacy and Career Education
STEM and Financial Literacy
Social-Emotional Learning
Increasing Graduation Rates
Support for Underperforming Students
Teachers as “Special Agents” of Innovation
During his remarks, James S. Gavrilos, President and CEO of the Education Foundation, commended teachers as “special agents of classroom innovation,” noting that this year’s recipients will not only inspire their students, but also lead future professional development sessions in the new Center’s training spaces to share their practices with peers.
Highlights of the 2025 Awards
The 2025 GoTeach! program honored dozens of educators from across the District, representing elementary, middle, and high schools countywide. Projects ranged from AI-powered problem-solving labs and hydroponic gardens to family storytelling podcasts, math-through-movement lessons, and financial literacy programs that prepare students for real-world success.
Top honors included:
GoTeach! Individual and Team Awards ($1,000–$1,500 each)
GoReach! High Impact Classroom Grants ($3,000 each)
STEM Innovation and FINLIT Innovation Awards ($5,000 each)
Powered by Partnership
The GoTeach! Classroom Grants program is proudly supported by our community partners whose generosity fuels innovation in Palm Beach County classrooms.
Presented By
Grant Funders and Event Sponsors
Event Sponsors and Supporters
Looking Ahead
As the evening concluded, attendees were reminded that innovation doesn’t stop with one night of celebration. The new Center for Public School Excellence and Innovation — now home to the Education Foundation — will serve as a hub for year-round teacher training, collaborative idea-sharing, and student success.
